Coast Community News 271 by Central Coast Newspapers

4 DECEMBER 2020

ISSUE 271

Budget black hole • Central Coast Council has racked up a massive $565M debt since 2017 and is looking at a deficit this year alone of $115M.

News

With the new $10M Leagues Club Field regional play space set to open to the public during summer, work is well underway on installing sandstone animal islands in the park. See page 4

• Administrator Dick Persson will seek a three-month extension of his original three-month term.

Out&About

• The contract of CEO Gary Murphy had been terminated. • Council will start selling off assets, with the first list of proposed sale sites now available.

A friendship established with a customer while she was working as a door greeter at Kmart... See page 17

• Other mitigation measures will include further borrowings, an increase in some Council charges and huge staff cuts which will see more than 200 go.

Education

Full report, pages 6-7

Reg the seal hauls out on Forresters Beach NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has urged beach-goers to keep their distance from a large Australian fur seal which has been spotted sunbaking at Forresters Beach over the past week. The bull seal was attacked by a dog at Long Reef north of Sydney early in November and has been trying out a few beaches heading north ever since. Ronny Ling from Central Coast Dolphin Project said NPWS had been following the movements of the seal, nicknamed Reg because of his tendency to regulate his temperature by warming up when he hauls onto the sand, by putting his flipper in the air. “He is identifiable by the big notch which has been taken out of his front

flipper,” Ling said. “He also has a small injury on his chin.” Ling said it was important to give the seal space and not walk in between the seal and the water, as that is his escape route and he may feel threatened. People must keep back at least 40 metres from the seal, not walk between the seal and the water and keep their dogs on-leash. They are also urged not to attempt to feed Reg. But residents are urged to report a sick, injured or distressed seal to NPWS on 13000 PARKS (1300 072 757) or ORRCA on (02) 9415 3333. Source: Media releases, Nov 28 NPWS and Central Coast Dolphin Project

Nathan Walker and his friends have raised $10,000 for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, after holding their second Smeethy Cup in honour of a friend who has passed away. See page 35

Sport

Jono Cooper once again showed his power and class to take out the Open Men’s Single final of the Gosford Tennis Club (GTC) 2020 Open Club Championships in a strong field of 44 players. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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4 DECEMBER 2020

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ABOUT US

Coast Community News is published weekly on a Friday by Central Coast Newspapers Pty Ltd (CCN), a local, family-owned business. CCN publishes three local, independent newspapers – Coast Community News, the Coast Community Pelican Post and the Coast Community Chronicle – distributed via more than 450 distribution points right across the Central Coast. Most of our stories, as well as our digital programs such as “Friday 5@5”, can be viewed online at www.coastcommunitynews.com.au CCN aims to serve the interests of the community in three important ways: 1. To serve the ultimate purpose of the free press in a democracy, that is, to hold powerful interests to account through high-quality, independent journalism without fear or prejudice; 2. To provide an affordable medium for local businesses to advertise their products and services, including discounted rates for eligible not-for-profit organisations; and, 3. To keep the community informed about local issues and ensure that important public notices are available to ALL members of the community irrespective of their socio-economic circumstances. Our content is originated through both our own team of local journalists as well as external

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sources, including media releases, websites and public notices. All our news content is subject to strict editorial standards – see www.coastcommunitynews. com.au/aboutus/editorialstandards Wherever possible, our news includes source lines that provide information about where information was sourced so that readers can judge for themselves the veracity of what they are reading. Each paper focuses specifically on an area bound by postcodes as follows: Coast Community Pelican Post - Post Codes 2256 and 2257; Coast Community News - Post Codes 2250, 2251, 2260; and Coast Community Chronicle - Post Codes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263. Coast Community News is published weekly and its coverage takes in parts of Gosford West, Gosford East and Wyong Central Coast Council Wards. It also takes in parts of the State seats of Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance, and parts of the Federal seats of Robertson and Dobell For all other information, please visit our website or call us on (02) 4325 7369 or call in and see us at Suite 1, Level 2, 86 Mann St, Gosford. Ross Barry, Publisher

Coast Community News would like to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a $150 voucher to spoil their furbaby this Christmas. Exclusive to PETstock, the Merry Little Christmas and Scandi in the Snow ranges are the purr-fect way to pamper your pet this festive season. For pet parents looking to sleigh their pet’s Christmas

DO YOU WANT TO SEND US A STORY? CCN welcomes contributions from all members of the community, including citizen reports, media releases and letters to the Editor. All contributions should be emailed to editorial@centralcoastnews.net CCN reserves the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us in our publications and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce information at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial standards.

NOW - prices range from $7.99 - $36.99 while stocks last. For your chance to win, write your full name, address and daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News PETstock competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, before 5pm on December 9. The winner of the Riverside Dental Spa Competition was Melanie Case of Narara.

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gifts, there’s everything from advent calendars and bon bons, teasers and scratch poles, to cuddly plush toys available in your classic Christmas characters including Santa and his Reindeer. The variety of festive treats and toys available at PETstock is bound to bring Christmas cheer to pets of all shapes and sizes, especially those expecting a full stocking! Available instore and online

see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/ aboutus/advertisingrates We also offer discounts for not-for-profit organisations and other community groups. Advertisers are invited to talk to us about becoming a DIGITAL PARTNER, which provides exclusive opportunities to promote your product, services or events on our digital platform as well. If you would like to be a DIGITAL PARTNER please call us on 0401 000 475 or email us at keeper@centralcoastnews.net

Deadline: December 9 Publication date: December 11

2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Forresters Beach, North Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal

Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Merilyn Vale, Dilon Luke, Jacinta Counihan, Hayley McMahon, Maisy Rae, Haakon Barry - Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

20 NOVEMBER 2020

ISSUE 269

27 NOVEMBER 2020 25 NOVEMBER 2020

News

Animal rehab centre to open at Somersby

ISSUE 270

ISSUE 216

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Government avoids paying for emergency works

With November 15 marking the 40th anniversary of the commissioning of HMAS Adelaide, Central Coast Artificial Reef Project (CCARP) has paid tribute to the crew...

The Salvation Army has launched its annual Christmas Appeal and is calling for donations to let those who are doing it tough know that they are not alone.

After calls for a flood management plan for The Entrance Channel, a visit to the site is on the list for Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson.

See page 3

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REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Budget blackhole

News

The Everglades Lagoon Wetlands Bushcare Group has been named Most Outstanding Community-based Organisation ...

See page 17

Business

See page 17

See page 18 An animal rehabilitation centre will be established at the RSPCA site at Somersby

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Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the REZ is great news for local jobs, and will underpin the region’s future prosperity. REZs are the modern-day equivalent of a power station, combining generation, transmission, storage and system strength services to ensure a secure, affordable and reliable energy system.

According to Energy NSW the REZs are expected to unlock a significant pipeline of largescale renewable energy and storage projects while supporting billions of dollars of private sector investment. “A REZ for the Central Coast and Hunter is a no brainer – our region is home to some of Australia’s best natural resources, we have the skilled workforce, and we also have the existing transmission links,” Crouch said. “We know that four of the five coal-fired power stations in NSW will come to the end of their operational life in the next 15 years.

See page 17

Education

The Nippers program at Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club has scored some new foam boards ahead of the summer season thanks to Terrigal Bowling Club.

“This will disproportionately impact the Central Coast and Hunter regions and our existing skilled energy generation workforce but establishing this REZ will create hundreds if not thousands of new jobs.” Bruce Cottrill, Chair of the Central Coast Sustainability Association, congratulated the Government for working on creating Renewable Energy Zones. “We see a growing pipeline of businesses wanting to source energy supplies from cheap renewable sources as a way of validating their own supply chains,” he said. Continued page 5

Photo: Klayte McSweeny, Photoslog

The State Budget, handed down on November 17, saw local businesses win big, with all NSW residents aged over 18 to receive vouchers valued at $100... See page 25

Sport

Council to seek permission to apply for a rate rise Central Coast Council will hold a special meeting to give itself permission to apply for a rate rise, even though the Council hasn’t decided yet if it wants one.

Ben Cohen starred with the bat for Lisarow Ourimbah in the first grade cricket T20 match on Thursday, November 12, versus Northern Power. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Council is hedging its bets by allowing staff to start the process to apply for a special rate variation above the usual rate rise as set by Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). The meeting will be held on November 26, at 1pm, in the Wyong chambers and the

public forum will be included. Administrator, Dick Persson, said that he had a meeting with IPART last week and confirmed that the window was still open for Council to apply, but that window would soon close. He said Council would begin the process even though a decision had not been made and no figure for any possible rate increase had been set. Persson said that the decision would be made after he handed down his report into Council’s financial situation (see separate story).

He said at the beginning of his tenure that he hoped to have that report ready in 30 days and that it would be a “plain English” report explaining how Council got itself into its present situation. It would also give options for the future. Those options would include a rate rise, asset sales and other efficiencies, and any options would be publicly canvassed before any final decisions were made. Merilyn Vale

Students at Wadalba Community School have been collecting cans and bottles to raise funds and awareness for National Recycling Week. See page 34

Sport

Central Coast boxing sensation, Jai Opetaia, has maintained his undefeated record after taking out former Australian champion, Ben Kelleher... See page 32

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

See page 17

Four teenagers and two other members of The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club carried out a mass rescue of 18 people at Soldiers Beach, Norah Head.

Out&About

Rate rise on the cards Central Coast Council held a special meeting on November 26 to give itself permission to apply for a rate rise, even though the Council hasn’t decided as yet if it wants one. The Council is hedging its bets by allowing staff to start the process to apply for a special rate variation above the usual rate rise set by Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). The meeting saw two people address the council before the administrator accepted the motion to go to IPART with a request for a 10 per cent increase for seven years.

The 10 per cent includes the two per cent increase already allowed by IPART. After the meeting, Administrator Dick Persson also announced that the number of Council director positions would be reduced from nine to five or six and there would be “significant reductions” in the next level of management, the unit manager level, which currently stands at 37 positions. When pushed for specifics, he would not be drawn on exact numbers but repeated that there would be “significant” reductions. Continued page 7

The first group of “underperforming” assets to be sold by Central Coast Council to recoup hundreds of millions of dollars of debt includes sites at Wyong, Warnervale, Doyalson, North Gosford and in Gosford.

While there were plenty of Central Coast stars out at the 2020 Women’s State of Origin clash, none shined brighter than former Wyong Roo, Tarryn Aiken. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Administrator, Dick Persson, during a recent visit to Warnervale airport

Land at The Entrance identified by Council as one of five top sites for affordable housing was struck off the list of asset sales when it went before Administrator Dick Persson at Council’s meeting on Monday, November 30. “I’m not interested in selling sites that are part of an affordable housing strategy … housing is one of my priorities,” he said. The three lots at 23-25 Ashton Ave, The Entrance, are currently being used for informal car

“the situation we are in is far more serious and urgent than I thought when I got here” parking. Persson also removed 129 Albany St, Gosford, off the list of properties to be sold, which currently houses a childcare centre, a dementia care centre and hostel. Other properties at Warnervale, Doyalson, Jilliby, North Gosford and Council’s own office building will be sold. A Property Advisory Committee will be established to advise Persson and General Manager, Rik Hart, through the next three lists of asset for sale to follow later, as part of the Business Recovery Plan to

recoup Council’s debts. “This Committee will be two or three people with vast property experience outside of the area, people who won’t be part of the development industry or the networks that are here,” he said. Persson said tight time frames and the urgent financial situation prevented community consultation. “I’m going to release a report on Wednesday (December 2) which I think will surprise some people … that the situation we Continued page 4

See page 17

See page 3

Education

Competition coming to Peninsula fuel market

Many Council assets listed for sale

See page 35

Sport

Umina Beach Markets is set to celebrate its fifth birthday this December with its monthly event held on Sunday, December 20.

• Council’s debt balloons to over half a billion dollars

Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley, Administrator, Dick Persson, and Acting CEO, Rik Hart at the extraordinary meeting on December 2

(from left) Brayden Hawkins of Blue Haven, Cooper Sweeney of Budgewoi, Ben McCulkin of Gwandalan and Daniel Leahy of Nords Wharf

An exhibition of 22 original artworks on calico by NAISDA Dance College students has raised over $1,400 to provide resources for the remote Aboriginal community of Nyinyikay in North East Arnhem Land.

Toys, games, school supplies and sanitary items are just some of the gifts on the way to children in need, courtesy of Wyong Christian Community School (WCCS). See page 35

Sport

A-League preparations continued for Alen Stajcic and his Central Coast Mariners on November 27, with a preseason trial against Western Sydney Wanderers... See page 38

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

With the new $10M Leagues Club Field regional play space set to open to the public during summer, work is well underway on installing sandstone animal islands in the park.

The new United service station on Ocean Beach Rd at Umina Beach is set to open before Christmas, with Peninsula Chamber of Commerce hopeful it might lead to a reduction in inflated fuel pricing in the area. A completion date has been set for December 7, weather permitting,with a spokesperson for United Petroleum confirming that even with unforeseen hold-ups, the bowsers should be operating well before Christmas. The service station has been in the pipeline for almost four years, with several alterations to consent being made along the way. It will contain four refuelling bays (double sided bowsers) and associated fuel canopy, an ancillary service store and two tenancies (yet to be confirmed). It will also have an automatic

car wash bay with a 2.4m high acoustic fence. The service station and convenience store will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will employ two staff. The site originally contained a service station, two homes and vacant land. Chamber of Commerce president, Matthew Wales, said he was hopeful the new service station would maintain similar pricing to its other nearest

outlet, just 6km away at Empire Bay. “Pricing at United Empire Bay is almost consistently 20 cents per litre cheaper than on the Peninsula and I can’t imagine prices would differ much between the two outlets,” he said. “I can only expect their prices will be similar and therefore will place a significant amount of pressure on other operators to match them.

See page 4

• Administrator Dick Persson will seek a three-month extension of his original three-month term as Administrator.

Out&About

• The contract of CEO Gary Murphy had been terminated.

• Cumulative losses of $230M in 4 years

Education

See page 5

See page 39

See page 4

REZ announced for Central Coast and Hunter The state’s fourth Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is to be established in the Central Coast/Hunter region following legislation passed by State Parliament on November 17.

Education

Central Coast Council does not intend to take the State Government’s decision not to fund emergency works at The Entrance North, following a severe erosion event in July, lying down.

As Christmas lights sparkle to life across the Coast, a new display at Bateau Bay is bringing a twinkle to locals’ eyes.

There’s no doubt about it – Kraken the Komodo dragon is one big boy.

The artistic talents of five residents from Bateau Bay’s Uniting Nareen Gardens aged care home have been recognised in a state wide exhibition.

Central Coast Pitmaster, Daniel Lynn, is a contestant on the cooking show, Dippers Backyard BBQ Wars...

• Central Coast Council has racked up a massive $565M debt since 2017 and is looking at a deficit this year alone of $115M.

News

See page 6

See page 3

Out&About

• 2020/21 deficit forecast to be $115M

The RSPCA’s Central Coast Shelter at Somersby closed to the public on November 7 to make way for a dedicated rehabilitation centre for animals who suffer from anxiety and behavioural issues on the site.

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ISSUE 003

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Budget blowout

Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy, who has been on leave, has had his position with Central Coast Council terminated, with a pay-out of $380,000.

Out&About

3 DECEMBER 2020

News

18 lives saved in mass rescue

See page 4

See page 5

Out&About

4 DECEMBER 2020 2 DECEMBER 2020

News

New boards for Terrigal Nippers

News

“I have been given no reason why there is such a difference in prices between the Peninsula and other areas 5-10km away. “If United doesn’t maintain a similar price structure to other operators, I will feel we are being gouged. The United Petroleum spokesperson said the company “always tried to be the cheapest” and customers could expect very competitive prices when the servo opens it

bowsers. With two other major service station upgrades underway at Memorial Ave, Ettalong and Rawson Rd, Woy Woy (where a 7-Eleven is being installed), Wales said the Peninsula would welcome “as many petrol outlets as we can manage”. “This activity shows major brands have a lot of confidence in the Peninsula market and this is also reflected in the improving quality of offerings,” he said. “There has clearly been a significant shift in demographics with younger families influencing market decisions. “We are seeing some very trendy renos, particularly in Umina Beach and it is wonderful to see older homes being repurposed.” Terry Collins

E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

See page 17

Education

• Other mitigation measures will include further borrowings, an increase in some Council charges and huge staff cuts which will see more than 200 go. Full report, pages 6-7

Woy Woy Public School students participated in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activities in celebration of NAIDOC Week 2020.

See page 35

Sport

The bull seal was attacked by a dog at Long Reef north of Sydney early in November and has been trying out a few beaches heading north ever since. Ronny Ling from Central Coast Dolphin Project said NPWS had been following the movements of the seal, nicknamed Reg because of his tendency to regulate his temperature by warming up when he hauls onto the sand, by putting his flipper in the air. “He is identifiable by the big notch which has been taken out of his front

Young touch players on the Peninsula were treated to a surprise visit from Melbourne Storm’s Nicho Hynes at their training session on Sunday, November 22. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Office: Level 2.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250

A friendship established with a customer while she was working as a door greeter at Kmart...

• Council will start selling off assets, with the first list of proposed sale sites now available.

Nathan Walker and his friends have raised $10,000 for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, after holding their second Smeethy Cup in honour of a friend who has passed away. See page 35

Sport

Jono Cooper once again showed his power and class to take out the Open Men’s Single final of the Gosford Tennis Club (GTC) 2020 Open Club Championships in a strong field of 44 players. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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Art poles and animal islands Leagues Club Field set to come alive

With the new $10M Leagues Club Field regional play space set to open to the public during summer, work is well underway on installing sandstone animal islands in the park. In acknowledgement of Gosford’s proud indigenous history, the islands are based on local site carvings. Parliamentary Secretary for

the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the sandstone islands, carved from local quarries and based on Bulgandry site carvings, would surround the Aboriginal art poles at the centre of the play space. “The tidal pool is a standout feature of Leagues Club Field, and as the water rises and falls, these amazing sea creature designs will ‘swim’ in from

The sandstone work is well underway

Brisbane Water to create a dynamic play space for children,” Crouch said. “At night, the Aboriginal art poles will light up and create a vibrant space for our community to enjoy.” The innovative pool will be unique to any other water play space on the Central Coast and will link underneath Central Coast Highway to Brisbane Water to fill and drain with the

tide, creating a different play experience for each visit. The NSW Government’s Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) has partnered with Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council as well as local artists to ensure that Gosford’s Aboriginal culture is inscribed in the park. HCCDC Acting Chief Executive, Valentina Misevska,

said creating functional and attractive public spaces is only possible by collaborating positively with local stakeholders. “From the very early stages of planning, Darkinjung offered valuable insight into local Aboriginal culture and helped us create a space that will showcase the region and its people,” Misevska said. “With the help of local

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4 DECEMBER 2020

stakeholders such as Darkinjung, Central Coast Council and the Gosford community, we’re creating a landmark play space that will ignite a sense of community and create a drawcard to attract visitors to Gosford.” Source: Media release, Dec 3 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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4 DECEMBER 2020

NEWS

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Feedback sought on game changing strategy The State Government is encouraging residents to provide feedback on the proposed Central Coast Strategy, as part of a seven-week public consultation period.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian visiting the Central Coast earlier this year

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said Premier Gladys Berejiklian had tasked the GSC (Greater Sydney Commission) to develop and deliver a Strategy that creates new job and business opportunities. “The Central Coast Strategy

is not just another policy or planning document,” Crouch said. “This Strategy is the first of its kind and will help to cater for future population growth. “Having consulted with more than 50 industry and Government stakeholders, six areas of interest have been identified by the GSC. “I encourage everyone in our community to review these areas of interest and provide feedback which will quite literally shape the Central Coast’s future.” The six areas of interest

identified in the Central Coast Strategy include: locating a university campus in Gosford city centre; expanding health services in Gosford; facilitating faster transport connections to and from regional centres; increasing the amount of serviced industrial lands on the Central Coast; streamlining planning processes to help remove barriers; and, establishing a high speed internet network to attract new, diverse businesses. The community is encouraged to complete an online survey at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.

au/central-coast-strategy. Feedback will be accepted until 8am on Monday, January 25. The seven-week public consultation period will also include meetings and briefings with industry and Government stakeholders. Feedback will be evaluated and incorporated into the final version of the Strategy, which will be presented to the Premier in early 2021. Source: Email, Dec 3 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Community Environment Network WILDPLANT COMMUNITY NURSERY

Metamorphosis

JUST IN TIME TO HELP WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING:

Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an animal completely changes its form or structure.

Wildplant Community Nursery - Saturday 5th December 9am-12pm Our plant sales are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 12pm. Native plants are a great Christmas gift idea. They are inexpensive (starting at $3), help conquer climate change,

creative habitat for local birds and animals and encourage outdoor activity. Come along to our plant sale at the CEN Office, off Brush Road,Ourimbah, buy a few local native plants, chat about local environment issues and get your Christmas shopping done, all in one

Saturday morning! We have a range of local native plants available including ground covers and herbs, shrubs and trees, bush food, bird attracting, native bee attracting, frog friendly and screen plants.

COMING UP IN JANUARY Keep any eye on the CEN Calendar during the holidays so you don’t miss out on the great events we have planned for January. BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS TWO WATERWATCH EVENTS: MARINE DEBRIS WORKSHOP AT TERRIGAL LAGOON

And TUGGERAH LAKES FROG SPOTLIGHT And FRIENDS OF COSS BREAKFAST PICNIC Watch our website and facebook page for more information.

PROTECTING OUR INTER-TIDAL ZONE If your kids have ever done a Rock Pool Ramble or you just enjoy walking around the rocks and exploring rock pools at your local beach, you will understand the importance of our inter-tidal zone. The Community Environment Network (CEN) has written to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) to bring its attention to excessive removal of molluscs from rocks with knives and other implements and crustaceans from rock pools and under rocks by the bucket load.

CEN has asked DPIE, in the short term, to exercise its powers to police the regulations. We’ve also asked for multi-lingual signage on local beaches vicinity and a greater presence by fisheries inspectors. CEN has learned that Intertidal Protection Areas (IPAs) and Aquatic Reserves (ARs) have been put in place by DPIE but they are exclusive to the immediate Sydney area. CEN believes complete protection in the form of IPAs or ARs should be established on Central Coast beaches to give the species in our rock pools a chance to recover from over-fishing.

A sign has been erected at Bateau Bay to specify fishing limits but we believe the allowed limit of 20 molluscs per person per day is excessive for small beaches. A group of eight people could remove over 300 molluscs in a single weekend. CEN has asked DPIE to let us know the results of any monitoring of such life on Central Coast beaches. Have you noticed any change in the rockpools at your local beach? If so, please let us know via admin@cen.org.au

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2020 BAT AWARD WINNERS Congratulations to the winners of this year’s CEN BAT Awards. Our Chair, Ms Hale Adasal, said this year’s award recipients were all outstanding examples of the effort, determination and patience that it takes to protect our local environment. MOST OUTSTANDING ALL ROUNDER (THE “BAT” AWARD) – GLENYS RAY Glenys is this year’s BAT Award recipient for her extraordinary work campaigning to clean up Springfield Pond Wetland. Her work obtaining grants and work with a cross-section of the community with grace and a positive character to keep Springfield Pond clean and accessible for the community and all living beings inhabiting the area. BEST 12th MAN – COL RUFFELS After retiring from teaching in 2010 Col became a

Volunteer at the Central Coast Marine Discover Centre. He has been involved in many roles there including: training of hundreds of volunteers, managing the rosters, shop and school excursions. Col is instrumental in the craft area of the centre, reusing and recycling materials. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – WAMBERAL BEACH SAVE OUR SAND The Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand (SOS) campaign

is an excellent example of an organic community campaign around a single issue. Core members, Hugh Naven, Justin Hickey and Felicity Phillips are passionate about retaining the amenity of Wamberal Beach for the whole community. MOST OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATION – EVERGLADES LAGOON WETLANDS BUSHCARE GROUP The Everglades Lagoon Wetlands Bushcare Group have been quietly restoring the nature reserve at the end of Boronia Avenue, Woy Woy for over 24 years. The dedicated group of at least eight members have done a terrific job rehabilitating the bushland, that contains

This is often accompanied by a change of nutrition source or behaviour. The environment is changing and, hence, the food source for all living beings. Extreme weather will be reflected in our local communities. Just like the animal, our physical structures, our societies and natural environment, are morphing into something new. Unlike the animal process, this community metamorphosis is something we, as a network, can shape. We can determine what this change will look like when we, as a community, stand up to protect our natural wonders, which have been proudly acknowledged as the primary reason we choose to call the Coast home. From our wetlands to our Coastal Open Space System, our forests and national parks, our lagoons and beaches, now is the time to get involved with local groups across the Central Coast who are volunteering to ensure the bush is cared for. Diversity can build resistance to the changing climate. Our community organisations will grow stronger if the pool of people who participate is rich and diverse. The organisation which is most diverse is more likely to come out on top and be strengthened by these changes. We would love for you to join us with our programs and projects. Please get involved and support your local community and environment network so we can meet the challenges we face together.

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The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups that work for ecologically sustainable development.

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NEWS

PAGE 5

4 DECEMBER 2020

Debenham Rd not eligible for Blackspot funding - Council

A truck was stuck on Debenham Rd Sth on December 2

Somerby resident Greg Hooper is stepping up his campaign to have traffic issues on Debenham Rd Sth addressed, even though Central Coast Council says it does not meet the criteria for Blackspot or Safer Road program funding. Hooper has been agitating for years for safety improvements along the narrow road, which connects West Gosford and Somersby, with major problems being excessive speeds and inappropriate use by heavy vehicles.

Hooper said despite warning signs, large vehicles continue to use the road, often becoming stuck on a sharp bend known as Devil’s Elbow, causing traffic chaos. The latest incident occurred on December 2, Hooper said. “When a truck this size comes down the hill there is no room to manoeuvre out of the way. “The road is only four metres wide and it’s worse when it is wet and stormy. “This section of road needs urgent attention.

“There is a precipice on one side with no rails, and a rock wall on the other.” Hooper said a “conga line” of oversized (vehicles) use the road as a rat run travelling to and from Somersby Industrial Estate. He has again written to local MPs, Council and police asking for improved traffic management and policing. But a spokesperson for Council said officers review the most recent crash data provided by Transport for NSW to identify and assess locations

which meet the criteria for reactive funding under the Federal Government Blackspot and the State Government Safer Roads grant funding programs. “Based on the current crash data provided by Transport for NSW, Debenham Rd Sth, Somersby, does not meet the criteria for reactive funding to submit a treatment option under either the Blackspot or Safer Road programs,” the spokesperson said. Council officers have undertaken an on-site

inspection to review the existing regulatory signage and line marking. “It was noted that 50km/h signposting, curve warning advisory signage and Chevron Alignment Markers (CAMs) have been installed along Debenham Rd,” the spokesperson said. “This signage and CAMS, together with the existing line marking, reinforces to motorists the appropriate speed limit applicable, delineates the travel lanes and warns motorists of approaching

curves and advisory speeds. “Council officers will further investigate whether any additional line marking and signage improvements or the installation of ‘50’ pavement markings are warranted. “Council is also working with NSW Police and installing traffic counts along the road. “The results from the speed and traffic counts will assist Council with any potential future nominations for road safety funding.”

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4 DECEMBER 2020

NEWS

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Council’s debt blows out to $565M Central Coast Council has racked up a $565M debt, it was announced on December 2 when interim Administrator Dick Persson delivered his 30-day report on Council’s financial crisis. The debt includes an $89M deficit last year, with this year’s deficit looking set to blow out to $115M. Part of this year’s debit is Council earmarking $45M for redundancy payments to staff. Reducing staff is one of a raft of options Council will take to begin the task of reducing the huge debt. Another $5M has been earmarked for recruiting staff to critical or revenuegenerating positions at Council. Council has cut $65M from this year’s capital works program partially offset by new grant-funded projects adding another $11M. This year’s spending details are in the Q1 business report, the first report delivered by new Chief Financial Officer Natalia Cowley. The Q1report was delivered on December 2, along with a 10-page interim report on the financial disaster which began

to publicly unfold at the beginning of October. Then-CEO Gary Murphy said the council was in serious financial strife with immediate liquidity problems. Since then, the councillors have been suspended, Murphy’s contract has been terminated, and an interim Administrator has been installed by the State Government. More than 400 people were watching on youtube as Administrator Dick Persson held an extraordinary meeting on December 2 to reveal the depth of the debt. Persson said the catastrophic error of the elected Council was their failure to understand that the organisation had less than $5M in unrestricted cash at the beginning of their term. After they were elected in 2017, they set about a program of expanded capital works and expanded services that they could not afford. Persson said that, apart from budget mismanagement, Council funded much of this expenditure from restricted reserves, which was either unlawful or done without the approval of the elected body. However, Persson said there

Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley, Administrator, Dick Persson, and Acting CEO, Rik Hart at the extraordinary meeting on December 2

was no evidence of theft or corruption and the councillors could not have been expected to have identified the unlawful and unauthorised use of restricted reserves. He said it was not identified in reports to Council by the Chief Financial Officer or the CEO, nor was it identified in the NSW Auditor General’s audit for the last three financial years. Persson said the community had been badly let down and widespread anger was totally understandable. But he asked the community not to take their anger out on the working staff who had nothing to do with this.

“On behalf of the Council, I acknowledge the hardship these actions will cause and sincerely apologise for the real impact this financial mismanagement will have on all residents and ratepayers,” he said. In dot points, Persson outlined some significant costs to the Council in the last three years. These included: amalgamation costs of upgrading the IT systems and infrastructure ($50M with $8M ongoing); $39M loss of revenue from an IPART pricing decision for water, sewerage, drains and waste services from 2019; staff costs increasing by about

one third and staff numbers increasing by 250 full time equivalent positions; increased costs and lost revenue from bushfires, floods and Covid-19 estimated at $10.5M. “While there were mitigating circumstances which may explain how the 2019-20 budget got away from Council, with an $89M operational loss, there is no reasonable excuse for this current year’s budget overrun which is now forecast to blow out to $115M,” Persson said. “If the tough measures outlined later in this report were taken in March-April last financial year, Council could now be $50-100M better off. “Some members of the elected body have claimed they were denied information by ‘council officers’. “The elected body has ample powers to obtain any financial information they want. “Whether they did not know this, or did not know how to do this, they also failed to perform one of their most important responsibilities. “I will be asking the Minister for Local Government for a further three month appointment as interim administrator to oversee the

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recruitment of a new CEO, to deliver a balanced budget for 2020-21 to oversee the introduction of appropriate financial reporting systems and the introduction of contemporary budgeting systems and practices.” Persson outlined a series of measures to achieve the necessary turnaround including: asset sales of a least $40M over each of the next two years; further borrowings; a substantial rate increase; an increase in some Council charges; a major reduction in Council’s senior and middle management numbers; and a reduction in staff numbers to return to the level at the time of amalgamation. He also flagged that he expected the councillors could be returned after his second three-month stint if the Local Government Minister agreed to his request to extend his term for a second three months. However, he would be suggesting that if the councillors returned they have an administrator-style person in charge of finances to work with them so they couldn’t change the budget that he would have set up for them. Merilyn Vale

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Council CEO’s contract terminated Central Coast Council Chief Executive Officer. Gary Murphy, who has been on leave, has been terminated from his position. Administrator Dick Persson terminated the employment of Murphy on Friday. November 27. effective immediately, with a pay-out of $380,000. Persson said Murphy had declined to come in to talk to Persson directly and so Persson sent him a letter. The cost to the community is about $80,000 more now than if the now suspended councillors

had agreed a few weeks ago to do the deed. In a press conference on Monday, November 30, Persson said it had become clear enough that the financial management of the Council had not been acceptable. Persson said the primary responsibility of the chief executive of any organisation was to manage the budget. “I have formed the view that the financial management was leading to another serious budget overrun this year on top of last year’s which is not acceptable,” he said.

“Measures were not put in place soon enough. “In relation to the unlawful use of restricted reserves there is a scenario of maybe someone didn’t know about it which is not good enough or they did know which is not good enough.” Persson said the pay out to Murphy followed a standard contract required to be used by councils. He said “councils have no choice in that at the moment” and that it was very hard to avoid the payout even if one had formedtheviewthatperformance had not been satisfactory.

He said the previous Council made the decision that they wanted the change about eight weeks ago but could not bring themselves to agree on that payment. “Had they done so we might have been $80,000 better off today,” Persson said. “My understanding is they had set about negotiations with Mr Murphy on a termination and they didn’t reach an agreement around the financial settlement and it had been put in abeyance.” Persson agreed ratepayers would not be happy and said he was not either, but the other route

was to go via an investigator and that would prolong things. He said the most important thing now was to move on and to find the right person to turn things around. Recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer will commence shortly. “In the meantime, the Acting CEO Rik Hart and Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Ryan will continue to head the organisation through the challenging times ahead,” he said.

NEWS

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4 DECEMBER 2020

Central Council CEO Gary Murphy has had his contract terminated

Merilyn Vale

Council assets up for sale A not for profit childcare centre in Gosford was saved from a list of asset sales proposed by Central Coast Council after the director pleaded for its future. The first list of proposed “under-performing assets” to be sold was released on November 30 and included Council’s own office building in Gosford along with the old Broadwater Hotel site beside it and sites at Wyong, The Entrance, Warnervale, Doyalson and Jilliby. But Maxine Daubert, Director of Gosford Cubbyhouse Long Day Care centre, which was also on the list, took her case directly to Administrator Dick Persson at the November 30

meeting public forum. “What will happen to the 80 families that are enrolled for 2021, the 15 families waiting for places and the 15 staff members we employ - where will they go?” Daubert asked. “We are the last of our kind, we are a part of the community, we are needed: please don’t replace us with unnecessary buildings. “Why should all our families, their children and our educators be compromised and severely disadvantaged because of the council’s Inadequacies and with no regard to the ongoing social consequences for our community.” Persson agreed. He took out the address at 129 Albany St North from the

list of assets to be put up for sale to help raise money to pay off the Council debts, revealed on December 2 to be more than half a billion dollars. Persson also yanked some land at The Entrance from the list, saying he had no interest in selling sites that were part of an affordable housing strategy. The three lots at 23-25 Ashton Ave, The Entrance, are currently being used for informal car parking. A Property Advisory Committee will be established to advise Persson and General Manager, Rik Hart, through the next three lists of asset sales to follow later, as part of the Business Recovery Plan. “This Committee will be two or three people with vast property experience outside of

the area, people who won’t be part of the development industry or the networks that are here,” Persson said. In response to criticism he said tight time frames and the urgent financial situation prevented community consultation. “There is an issue in terms of time and our financial situation is going to require Council giving confidence to lenders that we are on the job to improve the dire situation we are in,” he said. “I believe that we’ll need to move ahead more quickly than I thought recently with some of these measures and that will limit the opportunity for consultation. The Warnervale land includes areas earmarked in the airport

masterplan for aviation industry development, comprising 9.2ha at 140 Sparks Rd and 15.4ha at 4-10 Warren Rd. The latter was the site of a failed Chappie Pie Chinese Theme Park proposal, and land which Council had voted to sell a year ago. Suspended councillor and former mayor, Jane Smith, also spoke at the public meeting and agreed with some of the lots listed. But she said all proposed land sales should go out on exhibition – and she did not want to see the Gosford administration building sold, saying it should be the subject of public consultation. “Once sold, it is unlikely that a future Council would be in a

position to purchase back into the Gosford CBD,” she said. Persson asked her how Council could raise revenue if it didn’t sell assets. Smith said she would like to see a conversation with the community about capital works and services they would be prepared to adopt. Persson said the asset sale idea had been in the 100 day report adopted by the councillors and Smith agreed but said it was not a priority. A sum of $540,000 will be allocated from the current approved operational budget to cover the cost of market valuations, legal fees, reclassification/planning proposals and marketing. Sue Murray and Merilyn Vale

More than 200 jobs will go The nine directorates making up the senior leadership team at Central Coast Council has been reduced to five long term. A sixth directorate is short term. Malcolm Ryan has been engaged short term as chief operating officer to assist the

interim Administrator and interim CEO deal with issues such as improving processes and structures. The Council has earmarked $45M in its current budget for organisational restructuring costs including staff redundancies. It then adds another $5M for

the recruitment of critical or revenue generating positions. More than 200 jobs will go. The revised Senior Staff Structure will consist of directors for water and sewer; community services; environment and planning; infrastructure; and corporate affairs.

The senior staff roles that no longer form part of the executive structure are the Director Governance, which is currently vacant; the executive manager People and Culture; executive manager Innovation and Futures; and the chief information officer which is currently vacant. Persson flagged that the next

level of management; the 37 unit managers, would also be substantially cut. Council will cut staff numbers by 242 to return to the number of staff at the time of amalgamation. Staff costs have risen by 43 per cent since amalgamation while revenue has risen by only

six per cent, Persson said in his interim 30 day report. He also mentioned the “substantial costs’ of $25M from an industrial dispute concerning 38/35 hour week negotiations; unifying the salary scale and harmonisation costs. Merilyn Vale

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4 DECEMBER 2020

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Safety concerns over closed footbridge Narara resident, Bruce McRae, is concerned for children’s safety after a footbridge between Hanlan St North and Hanlan St South was closed by Council, forcing people to now walk a long detour. This detour takes pedestrians out along Pearson St, and onto the main road of Narara Valley Dr, which McRae said is an extra 1km on top of the normal route. “The thing I am really concerned about is school children going to Narara Valley High School who walk from Hanlan St North to Hanlan St South,” McRae said. “They have these pedestrian signs pointing all the way around just to get across a

Bruce McRae at the Narara footbridge, Hanlan St south

bridge. “For anyone who wants to do that it adds 1km for anyone wanting to go to school.”

McRae said when the bridge was inspected four to six weeks ago, the engineer told the person who lived next door

that a replacement of the bridge would not be happening anytime soon and they may have to wait until they join the

two roads. “I think it is just not good enough to say ‘oh well, we might just replace it someday’,” he said. “We have been living here for 45 years, and the two roads have still not been connected. “I just think, why can’t they just make another footbridge so people can walk across, especially school children.” A Central Coast Council spokesperson said a timeframe for replacement of the bridge is not known, “Council has had to temporarily close the footbridge due to urgent safety concerns.,” the spokesperson said. “We know this is a popular route that our community takes, and we are looking to

build a new footbridge to replace it as soon as possible, but a timeframe on this is not yet known. “Council’s current detour was walked by staff on-site and follows existing footpaths and off-road pedestrian walkways.” McRae said he is also concerned about not having access to the footbridge when there is a flood. “Because Hanlan St does flood, and Deane St also floods, sometimes the only way everyone can get in and out is via that foot bridge; if not everyone is cut off,” he said. “It is stupid to say they are not going to replace the footbridge when it has been there for over 40 years.” Jacinta Counihan

Environment Network recognises this year’s champions

The champions of the Central Coast environment have been recognised at the 2020 BAT Awards.

FUTURE OF WORK

Presented by the Community Environment Network (CEN), the awards recognise individuals and groups who have worked for the region’s environment over the past 12

months. CEN Chair, Hale Adasal, said this year’s awards were presented at a Covid-safe morning tea. The BAT Award for the Most Outstanding All-rounder went to Glenys Ray of Springfield, who has been relentless in her attempts to have the wetland

near her home cleaned up. “Her work obtaining grants and working with a crosssection of the community with grace and a positive character … helps to educate the role that wetlands play in our community for our wellbeing and interconnection with nature,” Adasal said.

“In addition to her work on protecting Springfield Ponds Wetland, Glenys has been a dedicated Waterwatch volunteer along Erina Creek since January 2018.” The Best 12th Man award went to Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre volunteer, Col Ruffels, who has been involved in many roles including the ADVERTISEMENT

training of hundreds of volunteers and managing the rosters, shop and school excursions. The Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand group took out the Rookie of the Year award and the Everglades Lagoon Wetlands Bushcare Group was named Most Outstanding Community based

Organisation. CEN calls for nominations from the community each year in October for its annual BAT Awards. Source: Media release, Nov 30 Community Environment Network

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PAGE 9

4 DECEMBER 2020

N ew Year N ew You

Christmas is a great opportunity to discuss your next chapter with those nearest to you The year 2020 brought with it a myriad of changes. As the year draws to a close, it’s important to take stock of what’s transpired, and think about what changes the new year will bring for you. If there’s one thing the past year provided it was clarity around the things that are truly important: lifestyle quality, security, and meaningful connections. Now, with the festive season approaching – a time for connecting with family and celebrating what’s important – it provides an opportunity to discuss your next chapter with those nearest to you. After the unpredictability of recent times, a move to Oak Tree in 2021 can provide that much-needed certainty for you and your family. With our simple weekly fee, you’ll have budget certainty over your everyday living expenses. While we take care of your home and village maintenance, there’s no need to worry about unexpected costs or relying on family to help with the upkeep. You’ll have more freedom to spend quality time with

loved ones, doing more of the things you want to do, and less of the things you have to do. Within the security of a gated village, you’ll find a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. As an Oak Tree resident, you’ll be part of a community of your peers who share similar interests and genuinely enjoy looking out for one another. Socialise safely with visitors and village friends alike in the purpose-built recreation and leisure facilities, or within your own home. If simplicity and certainty are part of your resolution for 2021, then take the opportunity this holiday season to visit our village and experience the Oak Tree difference for yourself. We understand the importance of including family in these decisions, so feel free to bring them too – we’d love to see you all! This new year, your new life awaits you!

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NEWS

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Fire up Killcare 1

Killcare/Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade is one of three on the Central Coast to receive a new fire truck as the 2020 bushfire season gets underway. Also on the receiving end were Ourimbah and Wadalba brigades. Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and NSW Rural Fire Service District Manager, Superintendent Viki Campbell, at the Charmhaven Fire Control Centre to officially hand over the new tankers recently. Elliott said the new tankers would enable the brigades to strengthen their firefighting efforts across their communities. “These new tankers will assist volunteers in these busy brigades to provide an even greater level of fire protection

Federal and State Labor MPs on the Central Coast have vowed to oppose any attempt to introduce a 10 per cent rate increase for residents, as mooted in a motion which was passed at a Council meeting on November 26. Council called the special meeting to give itself permission to apply for a rate rise - even though it hasn’t decided as yet if it wants one. The Council hedged its bets by accepting a motion to go to IPART with a request for a 10 per cent increase for seven years. The 10 per cent includes the two per cent increase already allowed by IPART. But Labor MPs say they will fight the rate rise laying the blame for Council’s financial woes squarely at the feet of the State Government’s “failed

The handover of the new fire trucks

to their local communities,” he said “These vehicles have been delivered as part of a record investment into the NSW RFS and the ongoing investment in

new vehicles, to ensure members have access to modern firefighting technology when responding to fires and other incidents.” Crouch said he was proud of

the local volunteers who work tirelessly to save lives and property. “The new fire trucks have come just at the right time; with good growth across the region,

we could be in for a late fire season,” he said. “While the previous tankers have served these firefighters well, I am confident the new state-of-the-art vehicles will

prove to be invaluable to these hard-working brigades.” Campbell said the RFS is committed to ensuring volunteer firefighters have the equipment they need to carry out the important work they do. “These new trucks will better equip volunteers to respond to a range of emergencies, including bush and grass fires, structure fires, along with motor vehicle accidents,” she said. “The efforts of our volunteers do not go unnoticed, and this new equipment will support the brigades to continue their outstanding work. “In particular, considering the magnitude of last season, I would like to congratulate everybody on their ongoing hard work and professionalism.” Source: Media release, Nov 26 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Labor opposes Council rates rise

The Coast’s Labor MPs will fight a 10 per cent rate increase

council amalgamation”. The cash crisis saw Council facing a deficit of $89M or more and led to the suspension of councillors and the appointment of interim

Administrator Dick Persson by Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock on October 30. In a joint media release, Federal Member for Dobell,

Emma McBride, Senator Deborah O’Neill and State MPs Liesl Tesch (Gosford), David Harris (Wyong) and David Mehan (The Entrance ) said the State government had forced

the amalgamation of the former Wyong and Gosford councils in 2016, saying they did not meet the “Fit for the Future” test based on claims around scale and capacity. “But it has been now shown that all merged councils are experiencing financial challenges and the amalgamation process has not been supported adequately with expertise or funding,” they said. “Recent research has demonstrated that the financial burden on amalgamated councils has resulted in the 20 amalgamated councils losing $1.03B in three years and ratepayers facing hikes in rates and cuts in services.” Harris, who is also Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, said the region was facing its first recession in 30 years, with businesses and households

battling to pay their bills. “Our local regional economy is fragile, and we need to grow jobs by attracting people and business, not increase the burden and create disincentive,” he said. “Coast residents do not have the capacity to pay higher rates to bail out the NSW Government’s failed amalgamation business model. “Coast Labor MPs and Senators oppose any attempt the Government might make to claw back funds through higher rates to fix structural issues created by their amalgamation experiment; this is nothing more than an amalgamation tax on local residents and business.” Source: Media release, Nov 27 Central Coast Labor MPs Emma McBride, David Harris, David Mehan and Liesl Tech and Senator Deborah O’Neill

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NEWS

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Once Navy, always Navy Central Coast Sub Section of the Naval Association of Australia recently celebrated the association’s 100th birthday. The association had its beginnings after a chance meeting in Melbourne in 1920 between two former Naval men who had served together. They followed this up with a meeting of ex-Navy men in May 1920, and the ExNavalmens Association was inaugurated in November 1920. In 1925 the NSW Section was formed in Sydney, and in 1947 approval was given to NSW to form sub-sections in other areas throughout the State. In 1960 the association’s name was changed to The Naval Association of Australia to better reflect its aims and membership, including changes to permit women to become full members. The Central Coast Sub-

Central Coast Sub Section President, Keith Grimley, presents Doug Simpson with a medallion and certificate on his 96th birthday, 75 years after the end of World War II

Section meets at Gosford RSL Club on the second Saturday of each month and has around 30 members. Secretary Bruce Smith said this number includes partners and social members and average attendance at meetings was around 20.

In a spirit of mutual support, the club holds regular outings. “In the past we have had day trips to Cockatoo Island, Newcastle Maritime Museum and Fort Denison, Hawkesbury River trips, and an annual Christmas lunch - before COVID,” Smith said.

“We support the Australian Naval Cadets from TS Hawkesbury at Point Clare with the CO Pierre Vennik being one of our members. “Our members helped with the refurbishment of the Operation Jaywick and Rimau memorial at Point Clare.

“One of our former members, the late Horrie Young, was a member of the crew of the Krait which successfully sank ships in Singapore Harbour during World War II. “Legacy in Gosford also receive donations from us, and our members help to sell badges at Deepwater Plaza.” Smith said the Sub Section supports the erection of the mast from the former HMAS Adelaide at Terrigal. “Most of our members are also members of the various RSL Sub-Branches on the Central Coast so that we have a close relationship with them throughout the year,” he said. “The main commemoration that our Sub Section organises is on the second Saturday each February to hold a small service for those 82 men who lost their lives during the sinking of HMAS Voyager. “The service is held at Rogers Park Woy Woy which was named after CPO Jonathan Rogers in 1986.

“Rogers was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest award for bravery in peacetime for helping as many young sailors as possible to escape and leading the others in hymns and prayers to meet their deaths with dignity. “Rogers was a local man at the time and still has family on the Central Coast who attend the service. “A grant we applied for from the State Government allowed us to erect a more fitting memorial at Rogers Park.” The association’s aim is to unite former and serving naval personnel for the purpose of mutual benefit. The original motto of ‘All for each and each for all’ was changed in 2018 to ‘Once Navy, always Navy’. Source: Email, Nov 16 Bruce Smith, Secretary, Central Coast Sub Section, Naval Association of Australia

Union threatens train strike over safety concerns Central Coast commuters dodged a bullet when a planned “refusal to work” on New InterCity Fleet (NIF) trains by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) was called off in the early hours of November 27. The Union had said members would refuse to work on the trains during their test runs on November 27 and 28 due to serious safety concerns. While Central Coast services

were slightly impacted, there were no major disruptions as had been feared. The Union had labelled the NIF’s operating system dangerous saying the Government had continued to ignore community safety. “Currently, guards can hear people yelling and keep their eyes on the platform and doors until the train pulls away – they won’t under the new model,” a statement issued by the Union

on November 26 said. “The people on the ground – the train guards, drivers and station staff – know these train aren’t safe. “The Government should do the right thing and not allow these new South Korean-built trains onto our system until the dangerous operating system has been fixed and they are proven safe.” But Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam

CCN

Community consultation on the replacement of the Central Coast Water Sharing Plan

The draft plan and supporting documentation are available for viewing on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website from 30 November 2020 to 31 January 2021.

Public information sessions

Join us at our online webinar sessions to learn more about: • the draft replacement plan • how to make a submission. Event Time

Thursday 3 December

Live webinar Register at dpie.nsw.gov.au/central-coast-wsp

2-3 pm

Tuesday 8 December

Live webinar Register at dpie.nsw.gov.au/central-coast-wsp

10-11 am

Have your say

To find out more information, including how to submit a submission please visit: dpie.nsw.gov.au/central-coast-wsp or email wsp.centralcoast@dpie.nsw.gov.au Submissions close at 11.59 pm on Sunday 31 January 2021.

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Information sessions Location

customer experience. “The CCTV technology will provide the driver and the customer service guard with a clear view of the entire platform in all conditions and platform configurations. “The train is also equipped with sensitive door edges, meaning doors will re-open automatically when an object is detected, and the train will not be able to move unless all of the doors, including the

customer and crew cab, are closed. “This will prevent people from being caught and dragged. “Since arriving in Australia, the NIF has been undergoing a rigorous testing schedule and Transport for NSW has been using that time to ensure that all the systems are performing as expected. “The trains are still in testing.” Terry Collins

Newspapers

would like to take this opportunity to thank our thousands of readers and advertisers for your interest and support over the past 21 years.

The New South Wales Government has been working with stakeholders in the Central Coast region to develop the replacement of the water sharing plan for the Central Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2021.

Date

Crouch, said the Govbernment was “incredibly disappointed” by the unplanned industrial action and apologised to train customers who were affected before the ban was lifted. “The New Intercity Fleet (NIF) is a new, modern train with the latest state-of-the-art safety technology that is already used around the world,” Crouch said. “It also has a range of new features to enhance the

We would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Our office will be closed on December 23, 2020 and will remain so until January 11, 2021

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NEWS PAGE 13 4 DECEMBER 2020

Brad bids farewell to Maccas after 11 years After 11 years of continuous employment with McDonald’s Gosford West, Brad Smith, who lives with Down Syndrome, has celebrated his last shift, sadly saying goodbye to his fellow employees. Smith and four others were congratulated by the diversity recruitment partner specialising in disability, JCAL, for their 10-year career milestones with inclusive employers as part of International Day of People with Disability on December 3. For the past 10 years, Smith has been assisted in the workplace by Relationship Management Consultant for Job Centre Australia (JCAL), Ash McKinnon. McKinnon said Smith brings happiness and positivity to customers and staff and will be a very missed team member. “Brad’s positive energy is infectious...he high fives everyone and says hello to everyone,” McKinnon said. “He loves greeting all the ladies.” JCAL is a nationally accredited specialist Disability Employment Partner, and youth NDIS provider which partners with employers and businesses to recruit team members into their workforce. McKinnon said his job was to ensure his Smith felt comfortable and confident in his role.

Brad Smith with trainer Ash McKinnon at McDonald’s Gosford West

“With Brad, it was about ensuring he was set up with a great routine, allowing him to get on with his tasks,” McKinnon said. “I was there side by side to assist both Brad and the team with learning any duties and making any required adjustments. “McDonald’s is quite repetitive for staff, so they are drawn to Brad as he has great social interaction skills which the younger staff are still developing, so the presence of Brad at work had a ripple effect.”

Previously, Smith worked at McDonalds George Street in Sydney for eight years, and he said he was sad to leave the workforce. “I was sad to be leaving McDonald’s; I love going to McDonald’s and meeting everyone,” Smith said. “I did get tired, though so it will be good to have a rest. “I did the tables, the bins, the floors, washing up in café; I made it clean for customers. “Ash met me every week at McDonald’s for coffee; he helped me clock on; if was sick he would help me; if I missed

the bus he would drive me home; he would tie my apron (not too tight).” JCAL CEO, Deborrah Lambourne, said in celebrating International Day of People with a Disability, it was important to recognise individuals who are shining examples of people living with a disability, and making an important contribution to the workforce. “Currently only 53.4 per cent of people with disability are in paid employment, a major underrepresentation and something we at JCAL are

working hard to change,” Lambourne said. “With 1 in 5 Australians living with a disability, and 1 in 4 with mental health, there is a real opportunity in our local communities to increase workforce diversity with inclusive hiring practices, and this is where JCAL makes an impact.” The Global Human Services organisation, APM, has an employment service on the Central Coast and is the largest provider of disability employment services in Australia.

According to its 2021 APM Disability, Diversity & Inclusivity (DDI) Index, 97 per cent of Australian employers believe there are major benefits in hiring people with a disability, despite continued challenges to greater employment and inclusion. However, APM Group CEO, Michael Anghie, said while the 2021 report found most businesses embraced the benefits of disability employment, it also found they believed it was benefiting the employee more than the business. “While it’s encouraging to see so many employers getting behind disability employment, too often it’s seen as a ‘good thing to do’ as opposed to a smart move that benefits the overall business through greater productivity and inclusion,” Anghie said. “Lack of ‘suitable roles’ is cited by 53% of employers as the main factor stopping the recruitment of people with disability, suggesting many employers continue to underrate their capabilities.” Anghie said research has consistently shown that people with disability (PwD) have lower rates of absenteeism taking less sick and personal leave and have higher retention rates than other workers. Jacinta Counihan

Over 7,000 Christmas Day meals on wheels Meals on Wheels Central Coast is determined that no client will miss out on Christmas dinner this year, with hundreds of meals to be distributed all over the region in coming weeks. The organisation will gift a

festive meal to every client on the Coast. Meals on Wheels Central Coast CEO, Dennis Taylor, said he was thrilled to be able to make this special contribution to the community. “Christmas time can be hard

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for a lot of people, both socially and financially,” Taylor said. “This gift of a meal will assist those who would not otherwise have been able to enjoy a special Christmas dinner this year. “Our wonderful volunteers

also perform wellness checks at every meal delivery, and our clients will be reassured that they are thought of and cared for around Christmas time.” The Christmas Roast Turkey meal will be delivered to over 700 Meals on Wheels Central Coast clients from the beginning

of December. Clients will be able to enjoy it when they choose and can place it in the freezer for easy reheating come Christmas Day. Meals on Wheels Central Coast delivers more than 16,000 meals to the elderly and

people with disability every month. For more information contact 4357 8444 or admin@ccmow. com.au Source: Media release, Nov 26 Central Coast Meals on Wheels

WILLS & ESTATES

Hi, I’m Geoff Brazel, your genuinely Local Wills & Estates Lawyer When planning ahead, it’s important to be alert to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Estate Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian so that you know where you stand. I live and work right here on the Central Coast and have been helping Central Coast residents just like you with their Wills and Estate Planning documents since 1981. When it comes to making sure your assets end up where you want them, it’s important to get expert legal advice. Call me now for a confidential chat and be prepared for your’s and your family’s future.

PAGE 14 4 DECEMBER 2020

FORUM & ON THE BEAT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Removing warning signs no problem

Travelling via NorthConnex is a breeze Having travelled to Katoomba recently using the new NorthConnex tunnel we found the journey a breeze.

I do not understand the objections to the removal of warning signs for mobile speed cameras (“No more warning signs for mobile speed cameras”, issue

FORUM 270, November 27). In my many years of driving I’ve found that if I stick to the

It was worth the toll charged as it cut out the awful stop start journey through all those traffic lights along Pennant Hills Rd. We had just a short weekend and the whole journey took just under two hours driving from Erina Heights. There was no problem coming speed limit then I don’t get caught, so where’s the problem? Email, Nov 28 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

Community asked for help to tackle four D’s NSW Police and Crime Stoppers NSW are calling on road users to report drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving on roads across the state as part of a new safety campaign. The Four Ds (drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving) campaign was launched on December 1, focused on enlisting the community’s help to prevent crashes and keep loved ones safe. Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said dangerous driving is unacceptable and the NSW Government is determined to highlight the concerning behaviour. “This Government is committed to community safety and we know that the

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.com.au Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

4Ds – drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving are a significant contributor to deaths on our roads,” he said. “The people of NSW have been through enough this year, we want to see everyone enjoy the Christmas and New Year periods with family without tragedy or chaos.” NSW has seen 280 road deaths so far this year, with speed a factor in 28 per cent of cases, drugs a factor in 20 per

cent and 16 per cent alcoholrelated. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb said more people will be using NSW roads in coming weeks with borders reopening and the Christmas holidays period approaching. “Keeping the public safe is our top priority,” she said. “We’re asking for you to help us protect yourselves, loved ones and the community on NSW roads. “If you see or know anyone who is drink, drug, dangerous or distracted driving, please report it to Crime Stoppers and we will investigate.” Source: Media release, Dec 1 NSW Police Media

FORUM Letters to the editor should be sent to: PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or

editorial@centralcoastnews.net

See Page 2 for contribution conditions back at four o’clock on Sunday afternoon.

It was a long time coming until the final stages were finished and understandably so. Having travelled at Christmas time via Pennant Hills Rd two years ago, that is not a journey I would ever want to repeat. Obviously there will be more traffic during Yuletide but I am convinced it will never be as bad as it was that time. Email, Nov 28 Paula Watson, Holgate

Huge thanks to medical staff I just lost my son Chris to prostate cancer.

FORUM

He was my last child and he joins his late sister, Louise Lee, and his brother, Adrian. May I express my deep gratitude to Dr. Michael Chang and his associates at Gosford Cancer Clinic for their exceptional help and care. I would also like to thank

Gosford Hospital staff for showing Chris such understanding, courtesy and kindness in the last month of his life; my sincere thanks to you all. How thankful we should be for, and not take for granted, the numerous facilities in our

great health system – which is the envy of the world. I too remember that a Federal Government whose brilliant foresight enabled them to accede their policy that it was the fundamental right of all to have free and accessible medical care. Letter, Nov 26 Mary Notman, Niagara Park

Who will implement recommended actions? Let’s face the facts; the selected administrator is only going to change the icing on the cake. He is not intending to create a new cake with all the trimmings. Advice in CCN Issue 268 is puzzling, as it is claimed collection of important data and assessment thereof will not be available til late January, 2021. Won’t this be the time Mr

FORUM Persson is destined to take on his next LGA amalgamation problem? Who will be responsible for implementing recommended actions? Another administrator or the Premier of NSW? I believe it will be the Premier, because she will have total control over the LGA and its development.

This is an opportunity too good to deny. 2020 was a very interesting year; 2021 will bring another bag full of problems. It is not over when COVID is over. The administrator can’t clean up this mess in three months. There will be plenty of icing for the Christmas cakes. Letter, Nov 23 Norm Harris, Umina

CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT EDITION TO GET THE LATEST LOCAL NEWS? Then satisfy that need for free by listening to a podcast of our daily local news bulletin at www.centralcoastnews.net/podcast/bulletin/ Or, get it from our facebook page www.facebook.com/centralcoastnewspapers Or, follow us on twitter twitter.com/CoastNewspapers Or see our end of week video news, 5@5 – NEWS coastcommunitynews.com.au/news/video-news/

Daily local news as it happens from Central Coast Newspapers

Environment should not be forgotten in push for more housing Many community members who support sustainable development on the Central Coast may rightly be concerned to see developers standing alongside local and state politicians, advocating for reduced environmental and biodiversity regulations (CCN, November 27 - Housing availability on Coast is “slim pickings”). The Chair of the Urban Design Institute of Australia (UDIA) [featured in that story] should declare his interests and be more transparent in his motives to lobby for fewer, rather than greater controls on local development. Never mentioned in the article are the considerable downsides of increased urban densities and infill on the Central Coast,

FORUM Letters to the editor should be sent to: PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or

editorial@centralcoastnews.net

See Page 2 for contribution conditions which will lead to greater congestion, environmental degradation and a further reduction in biodiversity. Additionally, claims that housing DAs need to be speeded up, despite the apparent “steep rise in housing completions” appears to be contradictory, although not surprising given that this industry group spruiks on behalf of developers.

Biodiversity and environmental regulations may be some of the most significant issues to constrain development on the Central Coast, but they are there for good reason. Many people on the Central Coast do not want to see Gosford become another Gold Coast, to profit the new generation of the “white-shoe brigade”, while seeing our quality of life eroded by unsustainable overdevelopment, given our fragile infrastructure. That’s why a democratically elected local council needs to be reinstated as soon as possible, to speak for the whole community, not just those who are looking to make a quick buck. Email, Nov 30 Tahir Turk, Springfield

Where are we headed? FORUM

Over the last 40 years I have seen the demise of the Waratah Spring Festival and the Kariong Flower Show, Old Sydney Town and our country towns closing down. What the hell is going on with our nation?

Our TAFE colleges are being slowed down and our education is being eroded away by foreign influences incompatible to our way of life. I ask all politicians and

bureaucracy; where are you guiding us to in the next 40 years? Some of the young people I know are asking the same question. Email, Nov 30 Robert Findley, Point Clare

State govt should pay for works FORUM

When the Wamberal dunes collapsed back in the 1990s Council passed new rigid regulations restricting building and extensions.

NSW Land and Environment Court overturned these regulations and permitted

coastcommunitynews.com.au

CENTRAL COAST

massive overdevelopment. They should now bear the cost. Email, Nov 27 Margaret McGowan, Erina

FIND THE BEST FUEL PRICES COMMUNITY

Congratulations to the NSW parliament for passing the NSW energy bill on November 25 after more than 30 hours of debate. Together with the recent announcement that the Central Coast/Hunter region will be included in the state’s Renewable Energy Zone, this will have very positive impacts on our local economy in the long term. We are now seeing a profound change in the energy generation industry worldwide as the economic and environmental advantages of diversified renewable energy resources replace the traditional fossil fuel based systems.

PAGE 15 4 DECEMBER 2020

FORUM This change is now unstoppable and the passing of the NSW energy bills ensures that our region will be in a position to participate in the emerging economic opportunities as they arise over coming decades. Unfortunately, this contrasts with the current energy policy settings of our Federal Government which is still directing public funds towards new coal and gas infrastructure. They are not doing this because coal and gas generation technologies are cheaper than renewables.

They are doing it because renewables are now cheaper than traditional fossil fuel generators and private capital is being directed into renewable technologies as they provide bigger and more reliable future economic returns. One small example of the potential for renewable technologies on the Coast, which I am personally involved in, is at Narara Ecovillage where we are currently installing solar, battery and smart grid technology so that the entire village of 120 houses will be a net exporter of power to the NSW grid over the year. Email, Nov 26 Geoff Cameron, Narara

Thanks for a job well done FORUM

I would like to congratulate your staff for all your hard work in putting together the Coast News. It has become a great local community newspaper, full of

interesting stories and news. I look forward to each week’s edition, for its unbiased

journalistic approach, keeping us informed of newsworthy events in our region. Thank you. Email, Nov 27 Del Pridmore, Kincumber

Smart phone app requirement outrageous The recent announcement that a Smart phone app will be required to eat out, attend social gatherings and travel is outrageous. It is obvious which groups are least likely to have a Smart phone, and the idea that we are to be discriminated against because we have resisted fattening the coffers of our Telcos by not buying an

Newspapers Central Coast

Simply tell us which paper you want to receive and we’ll send a link to your email address every publication day. COMMUNITY

FORUM

New energy bill will have positive impacts

FREE digital subscriptions to CCN

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No paywall Complete newspaper available direct to you at no charge Comprehensive local news on line email: manager@centralcoastnews.net to be added to the list

overpriced, useless piece of electronic equipment is intolerable. Given the heavy representation of pensioners in our city, I’d have thought that at least one local member would

have thought it worth mentioning the injustice of this draconian bar to our return to normal social behaviour. Email, Dec 2 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

PAGE 16 4 DECEMBER 2020

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KEEP YOURSELF AND OUR COMMUNITY SAFE FROM COVID-19

Stay safe by following the “four lines of defence” against COVID-19

Maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others

Wash your hands well and often

Stay home if you’re sick and get tested as soon as you have any symptoms

Wear a face mask in situations where social distancing cannot be followed

You must book before you go for a COVID-19 test For the Gosford clinic, call 4320 5055 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends For the Erina clinic, call 0435 813 865 between 10.30am and 5.30pm everyday For the Wyong clinic, call 4394 9200 between 9am and 5pm everyday

Adam CROUCH MP Member for Terrigal 02 4365 1906 adamcrouchmp

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au adamcrouchmp

adamcrouchmp.com.au

Authorised by Adam Crouch MP, Shop 3 Fountain Plaza, 148-158 The Entrance Road, Erina NSW 2250, produced using parliamentary entitlements.

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17 4 DECEMBER 2020

Friendship leads to Archibald success

The portrait of Dr Raymond Charles Rauscher Inset: Jennifer Scott, Archibald Prize finalist

A friendship established with a customer while she was working as a door greeter at Kmart, Erina Fair, has resulted in Jennifer Scott being named a finalist for the 2020 Archibald Prize. The Terrigal artist’s portrait of Dr Raymond Charles Rauscher was one of 55 to be chosen for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2020 exhibition, which will run at the Art Gallery of NSW until January 10, 2021. Scott said Dr Rauscher would come in to Kmart each Sunday to get his photos developed. “As I got to know Ray, I found out he was a civil engineer, an

CCN

author, and he took a lot of photos of street art, which was why he was in each Sunday,” she said. “He also travels quite a lot for his research and is a lecturer at the University of Newcastle. “He is a very quiet spoken person who goes about his research almost unnoticed.” Over time, Scott and Rauscher spoke about art, and one day she suggested they enter the Archibald. “When he said yes, I almost died,” Scott said. “I got so excited, but then I realised I had to get a canvas and get sorted.” Once she received the go-

ahead, she held sittings with Rauscher, which included photoshoots, sketches, and touch-ups. She did not show him the whole piece until she had completely finished it. “I am really ecstatic about being selected; it is something I have dreamed about,” Scott said. “The only thing I could do is do my absolute best, one foot in front, and then and whatever happens, happens.” Scott had a challenging early life. She was adopted out to a family when she was nine months old as part of the Stolen Generation.

“There is a cup in the painting, and on that cup is a praying mantis, which is the totem of the Dhangutti people, the Kempsey Aboriginal people,” she said. “That praying mantis is the only symbol I have ever done to say that I have somewhere that I come from. “Up until that stage, I was never really part of anything. “I have always just drifted and never been a part of any particular culture, and I have never really belonged. “It was the first time I have reached out in my way and said it is part of who I am and where I come from.” Scott is the youngest of 14

siblings but has not met all of them. “All of my brothers and one sister were taken away; I was the only one adopted out,” she said. Her only sister was sent to Cootamundra to become a domestic helper, and the boys were sent to homes such as Bombaderry. “I have only met five of my brothers,” Scott said. “Four of them and have since passed because of the treatment they had in those homes. “It was very sad; I actually didn’t have much contact with them.”

She has always had a love for art, completing an Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts from Newcastle TAFE in 2007. “The pigment of my portrait is purple,” she said of the Archibald painting. “I don’t paint skin tone colours because I like people not to use any ethnic bias or bring in any racial opinions. “I want people to notice the lines and the creases of the face, to look at the eyes and decide whether they are sad or happy, and to observe what the surroundings might be, and what in the surroundings gives away their trade.”

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 4 DECEMBER 2020

NAISDA end of year performance NAISDA Dance College will wind up its week-long End of Year Performance on December 5, following a week of celebration held at the college’s Central Coast Campus on Darkinjung land. The performance was directed by NAISDA Head of Dance, Deon Hastie, guided by Elder and NAISDA Cultural Artist-in-Residence Uncle Gavi Duncan, and performed by the NAISDA student cohort. The program featured a week-long celebration of cultural and contemporary dance, physical theatre performance, film screenings, an exhibition remount, community presentations and school workshops. Centring around the four elements of air, land, water and fire, the program showcased

NAISDA Dance College’s End of Year Performance Photo: Lisa Haymes

NAISDA Developing Artists’ skills, stories and rich diversity of movement. Hastie explained the importance of celebrating the students’ creative achievements during a year of

significant challenge and change. “Usually at this time of year our developing artists showcase the strength of their talents as choreographers and dancers on stage in Sydney,”

Hastie said. “Of course, sadly this year we were unable to do this. “As on so many occasions in 2020, we’ve adapted to change and have grown with our experiences.”

In lieu of a Sydney Season, the director took the opportunity to dance and perform on Darkinjung Land, transforming the celebration into a collection of intimate indoor and outdoor events which engaged Cultural

Elders, Community, visual artists and musicians, visiting cultural dance groups, school children and invited audiences. “The Wunda Yulagi has guided us through this year and grounded us here on Darkinjung Country,” Hastie said. “This is where we dance, sing and celebrate our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. “Uncle Gavi connected us to Wunda Yulagi which watched over us from our launch Sunrise Ceremony on Monday morning through to our closing Sunset Ceremony on Saturday.” Featuring choreography by NAISDA’s trainers and artists, the program also comprised visceral and original works by NAISDA developing artists. Source Media release, Nov 27 NAISDA Dance College

Coast Shelter gears up for Christmas Coast Shelter will be accepting donations up until December 24 for its annual Christmas appeal. Interim CEO, Jennifer Eddy, said many donations have already started to roll in. “The generosity of the community is absolutely amazing,” Eddy said. “We have been very lucky this year as Worthington Prestige Cars just down the road from Coast Shelter have gifted us their premises for our Santa Shelter. “We have set up the showroom where people can come and donate gifts.”

Eddy said COVID-19 has had a far-reaching impact on the community, particularly on the vulnerable. “We are seeing people for the first time for no fault of their own, who have found themselves homelessness or risk of homelessness, not being able to meet general living costs,” she said. “We have heard there has been an increase in domestic violence and mental health (problems), but our shelters are very full. “Despite this, we never closed down.” Eddy said Coast Shelter kept always its doors open as it

could not turn anyway away. “Each year we accommodate over 800 men, women, youth and children in our crisis centres, and provide over 50,000 hot meals in the community centre,” she said. “Because of COVID, we had to close our restaurant and just serve takeaway meals. “This is sad as it does prevent social interaction that people enjoy, and it is also important for people’s mental health. “But with the easing of restrictions, we are hoping to get the restaurant back up and running by Christmas. “We will have people here on Christmas Eve serving

Christmas meals hopefully from our restaurant for people who are homeless. “We will also be handing out hampers and gifts to families who are in need for a little bit of a top-up.” Marked boxes have been set up at Erina Fair for nonperishable donations, and at Tuggerah Westfield for new toys for children and youth. Coast Shelter is encouraging corporates, schools, and community groups to register their Christmas tree and join 78 other groups which are already participating in the campaign. Jacinta Counihan

Coast Shelter Interim CEO, Jennifer Eddy, at the Santa Shelter

Potters’ annual ceramics sale The Central Coast Potters Society will hold its annual Christmas ceramics sale at Gosford Regional Gallery from December 4-13. The exhibition will showcase a range of handmade ceramic

pottery by the society’s more than 20 members. Society member, Denise Gonzales, said the annual exhibition is a great way to display the work to the public. “We generally have two

exhibitions, a Christmas and an autumn one,” Gonzales said. “Because of COVID we did not have the autumn one so this is our first exhibition this year. “Each art piece is really affordable.

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“It can take anywhere from days to weeks to create these pieces as there is so much involved in the process. “Most processes have to go through two firings, the first being the bisque firing and then

glaze firing. “It is a labour of love and it can take a long time. “You have to make it, wait for it to dry, fire it, find your glaze, and then you have to fire it again and hope that everything

comes out.” Gonzales said she is excited to be able offer art lovers the perfect gifts just in time for Christmas. Jacinta Counihan

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Sunday 6 December

Saturday 5 December

Friday 4 December

ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 6:00 9:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Outback Ringer (PG) [s] 11:30 10:30 Scottish Vets Down Under 12:00 (PG) [s] 11:00 Gardening Australia [s] 2:00 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) 3:00 2:00 Griff’s Great Kiwi Road Trip 4:00 5:00 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 A Berry Royal Christmas [s] 6:00 7:00 5:00 Escape From The City [s] 8:30 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Gardening Australia [s] – Jane Edmanson gives a fertiliser masterclass, Jerry ColebyWilliams shares seed saving advice and Josh Byrne finds a superb verge garden. 8:30 Reef Live [s] 9:30 Program To Be Advised 10:05 Mum: July (M l) [s] 10:45 10:35 ABC Late News [s] 10:50 Gruen (M) [s] 11:30 rage (MA15+) [s] 12:30 6:00 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 10:00 rage (PG) [s] 11:00 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 12:30 Reef Live [s] 2:00 1:30 The Sound [s] 2:30 Dream Gardens: Connells Point [s] 3:00 Ask The Doctor: Pain (PG) [s] 3:30 Searching For Superhuman: Bionic People (PG) [s] 4:00 4:30 Landline Summer [s] 5:00 5:00 Basketball: WNBL: Bendigo 5:30 Spirit v Melbourne Boomers *Live* From Cairns Pop-Up 6:00 Arena [s] 7:00 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Victoria: 9:00 The White Elephant (PG) [s] 8:20 Call The Midwife: Christmas Special (PG) [s] 9:50 Endeavour: Harvest (M v) [s] 11:20 Poldark (PG) [s] 11:10 12:20 rage Guest Programmer 12:30 (MA15+) [s] 6:00 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 9:00 Insiders [s] 12:00 10:00 Offsiders [s] 1:00 10:30 The World This Week [s] 1:30 11:00 Compass: Jez [s] 2:00 11:30 Songs Of Praise [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 Landline Summer [s] 4:00 1:00 Back Roads [s] 5:00 1:30 Gardening Australia [s] 5:30 2:30 The Mix [s] 3:00 Basketball: WNBL: Southside 6:00 7:00 Flyers v Melbourne Boomers *Live* From Cairns Pop Up Arena [s] 5:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 6:00 The Sound (PG) [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] 7:40 Extinction With David Attenborough (PG) [s] 8:20 8:40 Reef Live [s] 9:40 Total Control (MA15+) [s] 10:50 10:30 Killing Eve (M l,d,s,v) [s] 11:50 11:15 No Offence (MA15+) [s] 12:05 Endeavour: Harvest (M v) [s] 12:30

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66)

TEN (C13)

NINE (C81/80)

5:30 Today [s] Sunrise [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] Movie: “National Tree” (PG) (’09) Stars: Kari Matchett 1:00 Desperate Housewives (PG) The Secret Daughter: 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] I Fought The Law (PG) [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] The Chase UK [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] Seven News At 4 [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Chase Australia [s] 7:30 Small Gift, Big Heart [s] Seven News [s] 8:00 Escape To The Chateau (PG) Better Homes And Gardens Movie: “Home Alone” (PG) (’90) 9:00 Movie: “Killers” (M) (’10) – Spencer is an expert spy with a – An eight-year-old troublespecial talent for assassination, maker must protect his house from a pair of burglars when he and no bullets, bombs or bad is accidentally left home alone guys can keep him and his new wife Jen from living happily ever by his family during Christmas after - if they can manage to vacation. Stars: Macaulay stay alive. Stars: Ashton Culkin, Daniel Stern, Joe Pesci, Kutcher, Katherine Heigl, Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, Devin Ratray Katheryn Winnick, Tom Selleck Movie: “Getaway” (M v) (’13) 11:00 Movie: “The Ex” (M l,s) (’06) – Stars: Zach Braf, Amanda Peet Stars: Ethan Hawke, Selena Gomez, Jon Voight 12:40 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping Home Shopping 6:00 Easy Eats [s] Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Today [s] Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 Today Extra - Saturday [s] 12:00 Award Winning Tasmania [s] (PG) [s] 12:30 Rebound [s] RSPCA Animal Rescue [s] 1:00 The Healthy Cooks [s] Program To Be Advised 1:30 Explore [s] Movie: “My Dad Is Scrooge” 1:45 Movie: “Dirty Rotten (G) (’14) Stars: Christian Scoundrels” (PG) (’88) Stars: Laurian Kerr, Brian Cook, Steve Martin, Michael Caine Charles Shaughnessy, Bonnie Wright, Jon Heder, Eva Greig, 4:00 The Perfect Serve [s] Laurie Campbell, Keith Cooper 4:30 The Garden Gurus [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 RBT: Green Machine (PG) [s] Seven News At 5 [s] Border Security - Australia’s 6:00 NINE News Saturday [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Front Line (PG) [s] 7:30 Movie: “Daddy’s Home 2” (PG) Seven News [s] (’17) Stars: Will Ferrell 2020 NSW Schools 9:30 Movie: “The House” (MA15+) Spectacular Remixed [s] (’17) Stars: Amy Poehler Movie: “2.22” (M s,v) (’17) Stars: Michiel Huisman, Teresa 11:15 Movie: “Mental” (MA15+) (’12) Stars: Rebecca Gibney Palmer, Sam Reid, John 1:20 Award Winning Tasmania [s] Waters, Kerry Armstrong, 1:45 Explore [s] Richard Davies 2:00 Home Shopping Station 19: Stuck (M) [s] 5:30 Wesley Impact [s] Home Shopping 6:00 Easy Eats [s] Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Today [s] Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 Cybershack (PG) [s] 10:30 Explore [s] House Of Wellness [s] 10:40 Ultimate Rush (PG) [s] Surf Patrol [s] 11:40 Peaking (PG) [s] RSPCA Animal Rescue [s] 12:10 No Man’s Land: Expedition Movie: “Another Christmas Antarctica (PG) [s] Kiss” (PG) (’14) Stars: Elisabeth 1:45 Movie: “Overboard” (PG) (’87) Harnois, Adam Mayfield Stars: Goldie Hawn Better Homes And Gardens 4:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] Seven News At 5 [s] 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] Sydney Weekender (PG) [s] 5:30 Territory Cops (PG) [s] Seven News [s] In The Blink Of An Eye (PG) 6:00 NINE News Sunday [s] 7:00 60 Minutes (PG) [s] [s] – It was a moment that changed Australia forever. Four 8:00 RBT: Boss’s Fault (PG) [s] 8:30 Movie: “Top Gun” (PG) (’86) young children killed on their Stars: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, way to buy ice-cream. Featuring Tim Robbins, Kelly McGillis unseen vision and exclusive interviews with the parents and 10:40 NINE News Late [s] 11:10 Killer On The Line: the surviving children. Foster Christian (M v) [s] Movie: “Safe House” (M v,l) (’14) Stars: Brendan Gleeson 12:00 Grand Hotel (M v,s) [s] 12:50 The Healthy Cooks [s] Autopsy USA (MA15+) [s] 1:20 Explore [s] The Goldbergs (PG) [s] 1:35 Home Shopping Home Shopping

Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

6:00 8:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30

9:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 7:00 10:00 11:45 6:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:00 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:30 11:20 12:30

SBS (C30)

Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch The Living Room (PG) [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Spina Bifida And Me (M) 3:00 Great British Railway Three Veg And Meat [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Journeys (PG) Left Off The Map [s] 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Farm To Fork [s] Jane Turner (PG) The Bold And The Beautiful 4:30 Shaun Micallef’s Stairway To (PG) [s] Heaven: Armageddon (PG) 10 News First [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers WIN News [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia The Project (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News The Living Room (PG) [s] 7:35 World’s Most Luxurious: The Graham Norton Show (M) Private Jets (PG) [s] – Join the hilarious Graham 8:30 The Wonderful World Of Norton as he chats with Mariah Chocolate (PG) Carey, Gary Barlow, Nadiya 9:20 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Hussain, Tim Peake and Countdown (M) Richard Osman. 10:15 SBS World News Late Just For Laughs Australia (M) 10:45 Country Music: Hillbilly Hughesy, We Have A Problem Shakespeare (1945 - 1953) (M l,s) [s] (PG) WIN’s All Australian News [s] 11:50 Nox (MA15+) (In French/ Tamil) The Project (PG) [s] 2:55 Dead Lucky (M l,v) 5:00 CGTN English News Reel Action [s] 5:15 NHK World English News Entertainment Tonight [s] 5:30 Worldwatch Places We Go (PG) [s] 12:00 Motor Sports: Australian Which Car (PG) [s] Superbikes Round 3 Winton What’s Up Down Under (PG) *Live* All 4 Adventure [s] 3:00 Destination Flavour China Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] Bitesize By Design Heroes [s] 3:10 Gourmet Farmer My Market Kitchen [s] Good Chef Bad Chef (PG) [s] 3:40 Travel Man: New York 4:10 Bangladesh From Above Business As Usual When 4:45 Coast New Zealand: Nothing Is Usual [s] Deep South (PG) Healthy Homes Australia [s] 5:35 Nazi Megastructures (PG) The Living Room [s] 6:30 SBS World News Roads Less Travelled [s] 7:35 World’s Most Luxurious: Everyday Gourmet [s] Cars (PG) Fishing Australia [s] 8:30 Portillo’s Greatest Railway 10 News First [s] Journeys: Railways And The Family Feud (PG) [s] Rugby: Wallabies v Argentina Industrial Revolution (PG) *Live* From Bankwest Stadium, 9:25 Movie: “Inside Man” (MA15+) Sydney [s] (’06) Stars: Denzel Washington Movie: “The Brighton Miracle” 11:45 The New Pope (M l) (PG) (’19) Stars: Temuera (In English/ Italian) Morrison, Lasarus Ratuere 3:45 Great British Railway Blue Bloods: Milestones (M v) Journeys (PG) 5:00 CGTN English News Religious Programs [s] 5:15 NHK World English News Fishing Australia [s] 5:30 Worldwatch Business As Usual When 1:00 Motor Sports: Australian Nothing Is Usual [s] Australia By Design: Interiors Superbikes Round 4 Winton Good Chef Bad Chef [s] *Live* Studio 10 Sunday (PG) [s] 4:00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize Destination Dessert [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] 4:10 Travel Man: Helsinki The Living Room [s] 4:40 Coast New Zealand: Everyday Gourmet With Far North (PG) [s] Justine Schofield [s] 5:35 Nazi Megastructures (PG) 6:30 SBS World News Jamie: Keep Cooking And Carry On [s] 7:30 Blood Of The Clans (PG) Farm To Fork [s] 8:35 Raffles: Remaking An Icon Taste Of Australia With (PG) 10:25 Marry Me, Marry My Family Hayden Quinn [s] (PG) (In English/ Hindi/ Maori/ All 4 Adventure [s] 10 News First [s] Urdu) 11:25 Civilisations: God And Art/ WIN News [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Renaissances/ Encounters (PG) The Graham Norton Show (M) 2:40 Inside Hitler’s Killing Machine (M) (In English/ French) FBI: Most Wanted: Ghosts (M) Blood And Treasure (M v,d) [s] 3:35 Luke Nguyen’s Memories Of The Sunday Project (PG) [s] The UK 4:35 Full Frontal (M) NCIS: On Fire (M) [s]

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years, [s] Subtitles Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

Builders Licence Number 204179C

Solid Bathrooms

LICENSED TRADESMAN AND QUALITY WORK ALL LOCATED ON THE CENTRAL COAST

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Scotty from Solid Bathrooms is a licensed builder with over 13 years experience on the Central Coast. Hiring a builder means that all bathroom work and workmanship is managed by one project manager and is fully insured. In addition, any reconfigurations are easily managed, for example, if a wall needs to be pulled down or a bath removed to have a larger walk in shower, you know the builder can manage this effectively

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING “Thank you, Scott, for your excellent advice and well-priced solution for our new bathroom. “ “Each of your tradespeople who worked on our new bathroom were prompt, polite, tidy and talented.” “I recommend Solid Bathrooms without any hesitation.”

WWW.SOLIDBATHROOMS.COM - PHONE 0401 601 082 FOR A FREE QUOTATION

Thursday 10 December

Wednesday 9 December

Tuesday 8 December

Monday 7 December

ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 6:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 10:00 Grand Designs [s] 11:30 11:00 Reef Live [s] 12:00 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Gruen (PG) [s] 1:35 Squinters (M l,d,s) [s] 2:00 Parliament Question Time [s] 3:10 ABC News Afternoons [s] 2:00 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 4:30 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery 3:00 5:00 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 4:00 6:00 The Drum [s] 5:00 7:00 ABC News [s] 6:00 7:30 7.30 [s] 7:00 8:00 Australian Story [s] 8:30 Countdown To Disaster [s] 9:20 Media Watch [s] 7:30 9:50 Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip: Perth To Kalgoorlie - Find 8:30 A Sandgroper [s] 9:30 10:40 ABC Late News [s] 10:30 10:55 Harrow (M v) [s] 11:50 No Offence (M l,s,v) [s] 12:35 Parliament Question Time [s] 11:30 12:30 1:35 rage (MA15+) [s] 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:10 3:55 4:25 5:05 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:20 10:20 10:50 11:05 12:05 12:55 1:55

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Grand Designs [s] 12:00 Gardening Australia [s] ABC News At Noon [s] No More Boys And Girls: Can Our Kids Go Gender Free? 2:00 (PG) [s] Parliament Question Time [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery 5:00 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 6:00 7:00 The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] 8:00 Outback Ringer (PG) [s] London Zoo: An 9:00 Extraordinary Year [s] That Christmas [s] Insert Name Here: Xmas (M) ABC Late News [s] Christmas At St Paul’s [s] 11:15 No Offence (MA15+) [s] Parliament Question Time [s] 12:30 rage (MA15+) [s]

6:00 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 10:00 London Zoo: An 12:00 Extraordinary Year [s] 11:00 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 National Press Club Address 2:00 1:40 Media Watch (PG) [s] 2:00 Parliament Question Time [s] 3:00 3:10 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 5:00 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 5:00 6:00 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 [s] 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 7:30 8:30 Gruen (M) [s] 9:05 Reputation Rehab (PG) [s] 9:40 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) 8:30 10:20 QI: Quantity And Quality (PG) 10:35 10:50 ABC Late News [s] 11:05 Media Watch [s] 11:25 Program To Be Advised 11:35 12:20 No Offence (M l,s) [s] 1:10 Parliament Question Time [s] 12:00 1:00 2:10 rage (MA15+) [s] 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:10 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:20 10:20 10:50 11:05

6:00 8:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00

Headline News [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Jamie’s Ultimate Veg [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] Three Veg And Meat [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey [s] Farm To Fork [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Project (PG) [s] Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] All Aussie Adventures (PG) [s] – Over fifteen years since he last set fire to a national park, Russell Coight is back! Just For Laughs (M) [s] Kinne Tonight (M l,s) [s] WIN’s All Australian News [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Today [s] Sunrise [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] Seven Morning News [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised Movie: “A Taste Of Christmas” 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] (AKA ‘The Christmas Calendar’) 1:00 Desperate Housewives (PG) 1:30 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] (PG) (’17) Stars: Laura Bell 2:30 Three Veg And Meat [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Bundy, Brendon Zub 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] The Secret Daughter: 3:30 Freshly Picked With Simon 6:00 NINE News [s] Always On My Mind (PG) [s] Toohey [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Chase UK [s] 7:30 20 To One: Superstar Families 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Seven News At 4 [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (M s,l,v) [s] – Mel B, Jane The Chase Australia [s] (PG) [s] Fonda, Jimmy Carr and more, Seven News [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] count down the world’s most Better Homes And Gardens 6:00 WIN News [s] popular acting dynasties, Summer: Countdown To 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] fictional families, royals, and Christmas [s] 7:30 Ambulance Australia (M) [s] national treasures. 10 Years Younger In 10 Days 8:30 Kath & Kim: The Moon (PG) [s] 8:30 NCIS: Lonely Hearts (M v) [s] (PG) [s] 9:30 NCIS: Los Angeles: Movie: “Life Of The Party” (M s) 9:05 Kath & Kim: Obsession (PG) Cash Flow (M v) [s] (’18) Stars: Melissa McCarthy, 9:40 Hamish & Andy’s Euro Gap 10:30 NCIS: Ephemera (M v) [s] Molly Gordon, Jacki Weaver, Year (PG) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Stephen Root, Maya Rudolph, 10:40 NINE News Late [s] Steve Falcone, Chris Cavalier 11:10 The First 48: Heartless (M) [s] 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Celebrity Obsessed: Gianni 12:05 Tipping Point (PG) [s] Colbert (PG) [s] 1:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Versace (MA15+) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping Home Shopping 2:00 Home Shopping

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66)

PAGE 21 4 DECEMBER 2020

SBS (C30)

5:00 5:15 5:30 2:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch Michael Mosley: Medical Mavericks - Anaesthesia (M) 3:00 Alex Polizzi Chef For Hire 4:05 United In Tears: The Oatlands Tragedy (PG) (In Arabic/ English) 4:35 The Supervet (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Inside Monaco: Playground Of The Rich (PG) 8:40 24 Hours In Emergency: Fix You (M) 9:35 Life And Birth (M) 10:40 SBS World News Late 11:10 Hamilton Agent (MA15+) (In Swedish/ English/ Russian/ Arabic) 11:50 Outlander: Of Lost Things/ Freedom And Whiskey (MA15+) 2:05 Safe Harbour (M l) (In English/ Arabic) 5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Michael Mosley: Medical Mavericks (M) 3:00 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: John Newcombe (PG) 4:35 Alex Polizzi’s Secret Italy (PG) (In English/ Italian) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 8:35 Two Sisters, One Body (M) 9:30 Where Are You Really From? (PG) 10:00 The Feed 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 Why We Hate (M) 11:50 The A Word (M l,s) 1:00 Bad Banks (M l) (In German/ English)

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Desperate Housewives (PG) Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Paramedics (M) [s] The Inbetween: Made Of Stone (MA15+) [s] – Tom and Damien enlist Cassie’s help when a mother and her young son mysteriously vanish; when suspicion turns to the woman’s husband. Chicago Med: Too Close To The Sun (MA15+) [s] NINE News Late [s] Law & Order: Criminal Intent: The Pilgrim (M v) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] 9Honey - Every Day Kitchen A Current Affair (PG) [s]

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:30 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Three Veg And Meat [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Royals Revealed: Royal Weddings - Then And Now (PG) [s] 8:30 Movie: “Breath” (M) (‘17) Stars: Samson Coulter, Ben Spence 10:50 The Masked Singer USA (M) 12:50 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 1:50 The Project (PG) [s] 2:50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s]

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Michael Mosley: Medical Mavericks (M) 3:00 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Noni Hazlehurst (PG) 4:35 Alex Polizzi’s Secret Italy (PG) (In English/ Italian) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Building Britain’s Canals: Kennet And Avon (PG) 8:30 David Attenborough: India’s Wild Eden 9:30 The Sister (M) 10:25 SBS World News Late 10:55 24 Hours In Emergency: Every Cloud (M) 11:55 Movie: “See You Up There” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Nahuel Pérez Biscayart (In French)

5:30 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Desperate Housewives (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:30 Great Getaways (PG) [s] 8:30 Race Across The World (PG) [s] – The teams head out of Copan Ruinas in western Honduras to their next checkpoint - Panama City. Having raced hard in the previous leg, leaders Jo and Sam are keen to experience more this time. 9:50 Inside Phuket Airport Welcome To Paradise: Customer Services (PG) [s] 10:50 NINE News Late [s] 11:20 World’s Wildest Flights (M) [s] 12:10 Tipping Point (PG) [s]

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Jamie’s Ultimate Veg [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s ] 2:30 Three Veg And Meat [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Christmas With The Australian Women’s Weekly 8:30 Law & Order: SVU: The Things We Have To Lose (M) [s] 9:30 Blue Bloods: Triumph Over Trauma (M) [s] 10:30 This Is Us: Honestly (PG) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s]

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Michael Mosley: Medical Mavericks (M) 3:00 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Charlie Teo (PG) 4:35 Alex Polizzi’s Secret Italy (PG) (In English/ Italian) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Secrets Of Britain: Secrets Of Selfridges 8:30 Empire With Michael Portillo (PG) 9:25 Behind The Blue Line: Untold Australia (M l) 10:25 SBS World News 10:50 24 Hours In Police Custody: Fifty Shades Of Abuse (M l) 11:45 Wisting (M l,v) (In Norwegian/ English)

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Married By Christmas” 12:00 1:00 (AKA ‘The Engagement 3:00 Clause’) (PG) (’16) Stars: Jes 4:00 Macallan, April Bowlby 5:00 The Secret Daughter: 6:00 Respect (PG) [s] 7:00 The Chase UK [s] 7:30 Seven News At 4 [s] 8:30 The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] Better Homes And Gardens Summer: Countdown To Christmas [s] Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) [s] Movie: “Vacation” (M l,s,v) (’15) 9:30 Stars: Chevy Chase 10:30 The Amazing Race: This Is 11:00 Not Payback, This Is Karma (PG) [s] 11:50 Surveillance Oz (PG) [s] 12:50 Code Black (M d) [s] 1:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Sunrise [s] News Breakfast [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Program To Be Advised 12:00 Movie: “Merry Ex-Mas” (PG) Australian Story [s] (’14) – During a blizzard at Gardening Australia [s] Christmas, a man becomes ABC News At Noon [s] snowbound with his ex-wife, her Hard Quiz (PG) [s] wealthy suitor, his former Reputation Rehab [s] mother-in-law, and his Parliament Question Time [s] daughter. Stars: Kristy ABC News Afternoons [s] Swanson, Dean Cain The Heights (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery 2:00 The Secret Daughter: Rear View Mirror (PG) [s] Escape From The City (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] The Drum [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] ABC News [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7.30 [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] Scottish Vets Down Under 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: (PG) [s] Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Sixers *Live* From Blundstone Caribbean [s] Arena [s] Death In Paradise (M) [s] 11:00 The Amazing Race: Getting Anh’s Brush With Fame: Down To The Nitty Gritty (PG) Alan Jones (PG) [s] 12:00 Blindspot: ABC Late News [s] Galaxy Of Minds (M v) [s] When Louis Met Paul And 1:00 Home Shopping Debbie (PG) [s]

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

TEN (C13)

NINE (C81/80)

5:30 Today [s] Sunrise [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “A Perfect Christmas” 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Desperate Housewives (PG) (PG) (’16) Stars: Susie Abromeit, Rebecca Dalton, Erin 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Gray, Dillon Casey, Rachel 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] Wilson, Peter DaCunha 6:00 NINE News [s] The Secret Daughter: 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Risk It (PG) [s] 7:30 Gold Coast Cops (M v,l) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] 8:00 Driving Test: Rose (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] 8:30 Movie: “Indiana Jones And The The Chase Australia [s] Temple Of Doom” (M v) (’84) – Seven News [s] In 1935, Indiana Jones arrives Better Homes And Gardens in India, still part of the British Summer: Countdown To Empire, and is asked to find a Christmas [s] mystical stone. Stars: Harrison The Forgotten Australians Ford, Kate Capshaw, Jonathan (PG) [s] Ke Quan, Amrish Puri Station 19: 10:55 NINE News Late [s] Contain The Flame (M) [s] Station 19: Reignited (M) [s] 11:25 Movie: “Generation X” (M v,d) (’96) Stars: Matt Frewe Chicago Fire: A Chicago 12:15 Tipping Point [s] Welcome (M) [s] Chicago Fire: Shut It Down (M) 1:05 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping Home Shopping

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Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00

Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

PAGE 22 4 DECEMBER 2020

PUZZLES

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ACROSS

62. Open wounds 65. Birthright 67. Unprincipled person 69. More senior 70. Prevents, ... from 72. Mobile phone chip, ... card 73. Unrefined 75. Other way round, vice ... 77. Bloodshot (eyes) 79. Snap (fingers) 81. Owing 82. Brown in pan 84. Trifled 85. Part with cash 86. Is compelled 87. Manage 88. Holler

1. Surrender signal, white ... 4. Studied for exam 8. Celebrity status 11. Advantages 13. Look forward to 15. Large horned African beast 17. Catch (thief) 18. Steak cut (1-4) 20. Human males 21. Wrote by machine 24. Grill 27. And not 28. Eskimo house 30. Crypt 31. Paved with ceramic squares DOWN 33. Harsh experience 34. Moral principles 1. Solid 35. Pre-owned 2. Mimicking 36. Rush 3. Post-baby-boomers, 39. Yacht’s cooking area ... X 42. Elegance 4. Invitation footnote 44. Flippers (1,1,1,1) 45. Titled ladies 5. Buildings defacer 46. Chop wildly 6. Understated 48. Reform 7. Information 49. Bird claw 8. Trivial lie 50. Grew old 9. Make reparation 52. Slights 10. Jug the alphabet once only. 54. School market 12. Helicopter blade 55. Long tales 14. Room beneath a roof 56. Desires greatly 16. Successors 57. Dress ribbon 19. Growths 22. Sings Swiss alpine60. Periods

MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of

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Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

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LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

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Missing Link Solution: Missing Link Solution:

M I QU I N F T A F A R X MO L E I E GA S HOD A O A Z UR E N

V J S R E L A Y C E W A R A S P L L U S C A I H OW R B AGE N R A S P S E L E E K A Y A K S R

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B B L A Z E D F T A R C L U E A CH E X M P U P I B L E E N OR A L G C S QU A K E M S

style 23. Shirked 25. Water mammals 26. Embroidery loop 29. Submitting (application) 32. Acid drug (1,1,1) 35. Reveals 37. Foot joint 38. Stinging insects 40. South American mountains 41. Gapes 42. Survive (3,2) 43. Consumed 44. Deeds 47. Reflective road marker 51. Ballroom performer 52. Holy 53. Stern 54. Weirdos 58. 4th month 59. Squeeze fondly 61. Financial holding 63. Fortunate 64. Snow vehicle 65. Crowbars 66. Let up 68. Leaves out 71. Prig 72. Rip-off 74. Unbutton 76. Ascend 78. Bargain 80. Cradle 83. Some © Lovatts Puzzles

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23 4 DECEMBER 2020

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: A BEAUTIFUL LAWN by blades between two wheels that was attached to a long handle. Following this, animal drawn, and steam powered mowers appeared and then, by the 20th Century, petrol driven mowers also made their way out to work on lawns. These were initially all rather large and expensive contraptions. The rotary mower, which works by spinning a sharp blade, appeared once engines decreased in size. And then, it was our turn. In 1952 Mervyn Victor Richardson invented a light weight commercially viable rotary lawn mower suitable for home use. He created it from scrap in his garage in Sydney and it is indeed the famous Victor Mower that we all know and love today. CREATING YOUR OWN LAWN CHERALYN DARCEY

Your gardening writer is not the biggest fan of lawns, but I do see their use and their desirability, particularly for those who have a young family, enjoy outdoor games and for those who like a bit of manicured green lushness as a design feature. I’ve spent a lot of time replacing expansive lawns with vegetable gardens and flower beds (and the lovely ‘green carpet’ I did have was ripped up by my two Boxers, Daisy and Lily), but I have to admit, there’s nothing like the feeling of cool, fresh grass between their toes on a warm summer day. A LITTLE LAWN HISTORY Although many argue it is a relatively modern invention, some say that keeping turfgrasses low around villages and homes was practiced in Africa thousands of years ago, not for ascetics, but to see approaching animal predators or people who may not be welcome. The practice of cutting natural grasses and low shrubs was copied by Medieval people in Europe as a way of protecting their castles and to improve the view. Livestock was often used to keep the grass low. We can probably date what we would recognise as the first recreational ‘lawn’ to somewhere around the 12th century when there are many instances of deliberately planted and maintained grass areas. In Japan and China, the production of turfs and creation of garden features using turfgrasses is also well documented around this time. By the turn of 13th Century England, we can see the use of lawns to play sports such as, of course, cricket! By the 15th Century, lawns were making their way into private residences of the rich and famous, particularly in France, where the elite had the space and the servants to cut the grass (with hand scythes!), although paintings of this era also show public spaces and parklands with lawns. It was the sports people of the 16th Century however who seized upon the opportunity to develop more lawn-based sports such as cricket, croquet, golf and soccer. And then came the big technological breakthrough – the lawn mower. Now, I know it is Australian Lore that we invented the lawn mower, but the first ‘mechanical’ lawn mower was invented by, Edwin Beard Budding in England who was granted a patent in 1830. This mower was modelled after a tool used to trim carpet and consisted of a cylinder surrounded

If starting from scratch, you can either grow from seed or lay turf to start your green oasis. Turf can pretty much be laid at any time of the year while seed sowing should be done either in spring or early autumn. Which Grass? For the Coast,Buffalo Grasses are recommended as they are very hard-wearing, shade tolerant and do well in hot conditions. A vigorous grower (albeit something that may or may not appeal to you), is Kikuyu. It is also a little shade-tolerant, withstands dry periods and it stays very green in winter. A newer grass is Zoysia which requires less water and mowing and along with being very soft in texture, is a lovely darker green. Other alternatives that are rising in popularity include Australian Native grasses such as Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra), Red Grass (Bothriochloa macra) and Wallaby Grass (Austrodanthonia spp.). Step by Step to Laying Turf Weed and rake over the soil and make sure it is level. Roll out the turf and stagger your edges but make sure they are firmly butted up against each other. Sprinkle a top dressing over the turf and using a broom work it gently into the turf. Water in well. Step by Step to Sowing Seeds Weed and rake over the soil and make sure it is level. Measure the area you are sowing and follow the seed supplier instructions for the amount to sow for your area. Sow as evenly as possible. Rake over the seeds gently, cover with 2mm of soil and water in well. Lawn Edges You will find without a border, grass tends to run away and grow in places that you would rather it did not and can be detrimental to other plants in your garden. When it comes to selection of edging you will need to factor in price, durability and suitability and then let’s not forget design. Bricks and pavers are a great option as they can simply be the edge of a feature adjoining your lawn such as a patio, path or driveway. They can be laid in various manners to create patterns, styles and heights that please you – I particularly like what is known as a ‘diamond or zigzag style’. Timbers can be used but unless treated most will decay. Treated timbers are not to be used as lawn edges to food gardens and to be honest, I

personally don’t mind a slowly ‘decaying into the earth’ timber edge in some places but that is up to you. Other options are stones, concrete (poured and recycled broken pieces), metals and I’ve even seen clever use of old glass bottles buried neck end down, hub caps and even china plates. Go and explore! Caring for Your Grass Oasis Whether growing from seed or laid turf, lawn needs lots of water until it is very well established and has attained a height of 2cm. Water again very deeply and then hold off on the water for a few days so that roots will start seeking out water at lower levels. Now you can settle into a deep watering every week when there is no heavy rainfall, but you may find that it needs additional watering during the height of summer or very hot dry periods. Lawns are also hungry and there are many commercially grown fertilisers on the market specifically catering to them or you can make your own. Whatever you use, do not use too much or use it too often as you can ‘burn’ and even kill your lovely lawn. Weed lawns by hand as soon as you see them pop up and ensure that you have lifted their roots out. Pests can be troublesome, and, on the Coast, we experience more than our fair share of curl grub and the best way to prevent them is by ensuring your lawn is healthy and doesn’t dry out as they much prefer a poor lawn to a well maintained one. An organic treatment is ‘Neem Oil’. To keep lawns healthy, you do need to mow them regularly as it encourages the grass to develop stronger root systems and it prompts new growth. Your lawn is made up of lots of tiny plants that run and multiply, and this means it will become compacted by too many plants trying to fit into your defined area. To help it, aerate your lawn in spring and

autumn by spiking it with a garden fork every 10cm all over and wiggling it back and forth to create holes. There are also spiked sandals that do a similar job – just don’t forget to take them off before you go inside! In autumn you should also ‘top-dress’ your lawn to add to the quality of the hard-working soil. Do this a few weeks after autumn aeration. Use a mixture of three parts sand to three parts loam to one part organic matter. Spread evenly across the lawn to about 10mm in depth and work in with a broom. Scarifying your lawn sounds scary but it is a way to remove build-up of dead grass in your lawn. In spring and autumn, rake over the lawn to pick up this ‘thatch’. Go in one direction and then the opposite with a spring-rake to encourage the dead grass out. UPCOMING GARDEN EVENTS The SWAMP (Sustainable Wetlands Agricultural Makers Project) Welcome and Induction Morning is on Sunday 13th December 9am to 11am. Located at the Central Coast Wetlands - Pioneer Dairy, this new community garden/farm and food project is opening the gate so you can see what is happening and perhaps join in as a volunteer. Bookings are free at: www.swampcentralcoast. com THIS WEEK YOU COULD PLANT French climbing beans, beetroot, carrot, eggplant, lettuce, melon, okra, pumpkin, rosella, silverbeet, sweetcorn, sweet basil, dill, parsley, lemongrass, rocket, sweet potatoes, celosia, carnations, gerbera, marigolds, nasturtium, snapdragons Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 9am every Saturday on Coast FM. Send your gardening questions, events and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

A Homemade Lawn Fertiliser Recipe ½ cup ammonia - contains nitrogen which leafy plants love 1 can lemonade - not diet as its included to provide sugars to feed the soil microbes 1 can beer - feeds the microbes and bacteria in the soil 1 cup baby shampoo - assists in absorption of fertilisers, don’t use antibacterial, 40 litres water Spray lightly and evenly over your lawn evenly once a week and water in well.

PAGE 24 4 DECEMBER 2020 OUT&ABOUT

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Bouddi Foundation of the Arts announces award winners

The recipients with John Bell

Almost 30 creative young people on the Central Coast received grant certificates, which will help them advance their studies and develop their craft, at the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Awards event at Wagstaffe Hall on November 15.

Foundation founder and acclaimed actor, John Bell, acknowledged each of the artists and presented them with their certificates, interviewing a number of them on how they had managed the challenges of 2020, both for themselves and their careers. The 27 talented young people,

from all parts of the region, are all emerging singer/ songwriters, dancers, instrumentalists, theatre directors/producers or visual artists working in photography, film making, painting, art curatorship or creative writing. This year marks the 10th year of the Foundation’s Awards

program. “Despite the uncertainties of the COVID impact on the economy in general and on artistic endeavours in particular, it has been a bumper year, a spokesperson said. “(There have been) more generous donations, more ‘named awards’ to present,

and the largest amount in grants to award in (the Foundation’s) 10-year history. “John Bell’s vision has always been to give young artists on the Central Coast a ‘leg up’ in growing their artistic practice into a full-blown profession.” Young artists, aged 15-25, who have a connection to the

Coast should look out for the invitation to apply for 2021 grants, which will be announced in March 2021 on the Foundation’s website: bouddiarts.org.au. Source: Media release, Nov 26 Bouddi Foundation for the Arts

COASTAL DIARY

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EVENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS ON THE CENTRAL COAST FRIDAY, DEC 4 Lions Christmas cakes and puddings sale day, Deepwater Plaza near Kmart, 9am - 5pm Sale of Ceramics Christmas 2020, The Community Gallery, East Gosford, 4/12 - 13/12, 9:30am - 4pm

SATURDAY, DEC 5

Plant and succulent sale day, Anglican Church The Entrance, 8am - 1pm Blues on the Mountain returns, Mangrove Mountain Hall, 6pm and 8.30pm shows

5/12 - 31/01, 9:30am - 4:30pm Rotary Club: Christmas Tree Sales, Terrigal Rotary Park, 7am - 1pm Gosford Waterfront Carnival, Gosford Waterfront, 5/12 - 27/01, 1pm - 12am

Exhibition by four leading surf photographers: It Seems To Come In Waves, Gosford Regional Gallery, SUNDAY, DEC 6

Sporties Markets Norah Head, Norah Head Sporties, 10am - 2pm

Woy Woy Oval, 2:30pm - 7:30pm

FRIDAY, DEC 11 Bowl Groms, Narara Skate Park 3pm - 5pm

Central Coast Christmas Fair, Mt Penang Parklands, SATURDAY, DEC 12 9am - 2pm TUESDAY, DEC 8

Christmas across the coast,

Wyee Markets, Wyee Community Hall, 8:30am - 1pm

SUNDAY, DEC 13

SATURDAY, DEC 26

Carols by the Lake, Gwandalan Foreshore, 12pm - 8pm

Family Fun Fair, Terrigal Memorial Foreshore, 26/12 - 17/01, 10am - 6pm

Open home, Sunnylakes Shores - 2 Macleay Dr, Halekulani, WEDNESDAY, DEC 16 10am - 12pm register your interest at GEBC December Luncheon FRIDAY, DEC 18 0458 018 332 Event: Guest Speaker The Hon. Damien Tudehope MP, Central Coast Christmas Twilight Markets, Market, The Entertainment Heazlett Park Avoca Beach, Grounds, Gosford, Ticketed, Gosford Showgrounds, 5pm - 9pm 12:15pm - 2pm 12pm - 9pm

Basic entries in the Coastal Diary are FREE. Send information to coastaldiary@centralcoastnews.net

ENHANCED entries using bold typeface with an address, phone number and a live link are available for a small fee. Photographs can also be added for a small fee. All display advertisers are entitled to a free enhanced entry.

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 4 DECEMBER 2020

Business & Property

Tesch survey heralds the Future of Work on the Coast The move to working from home in response to COVID-19 has allowed many Central Coast residents to finally find the balance between work and home life, says Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch. And she’d like to see the practice extend beyond COVID. Tesch said pre-COVID, 44,000 Central Coast residents commuted to either Sydney or Newcastle. “But a positive from the challenges has been the new working from home takeover,” she said. Tesch has been conducting a work from home survey to get an idea of how the community feels about the changes and what can be done to support our workers, with 85 per cent saying they would like to continue working from home. “When you’re commuting, a

9-5 work day can turn into a 12 hour work day very quickly,” she said. “Since lockdown many of our commuters have started to work from home allowing them to spend more time with their children and family, enjoying the beauty of the Central Coast and supporting our local economy.” Tesch said the region’s economy loses $113.2M spent on workday lunches and beverages each year and congestion between Sydney and the Central Coast results in $88.1M in lost time. “Commuters usually shop where they work so working from home will give a much needed boost to our local businesses who have been working hard throughout COVID,” she said. “It’s been a win-win for local families and the Central Coast,

and it is something almost 85 per cent of our respondents would like to keep doing at least a few days a week postCOVID.” Tesch said 92 per cent of respondents indicated they enjoyed the reduced commuting time, with 61 per cent confirming they were able to maintain a better work/life balance, and almost 80 per cent of respondents indicating they were satisfied with working from home. She said these results are a clear indication that work from home should stay. “An overwhelming majority of respondents prefer working from home and as we emerge from COVID I think it is crucial we think about how we can keep this system going,” she said. “With the rising cost of childcare, working from home

a few days a week could even assist in closing the gender gap, allowing parents more flexibility in arranging their children and sharing responsibilities. “We need to change the culture around work, making sure that people are able to have the flexibility they need to get their work done and live their lives. “I am collating more evidence to show the positive impact of working from home for regional workers and local economies. “We have proven it can be done, but now we need to lock in the change.” To participate in the working from home survey head to: https://www.research.net/r/ WorkFromHomeSurvey2020 Source: Media release, Nov 26 Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch worked from home during the period of COVID restrictions

Restrictions eased again in time for Christmas Businesses all over the Central Coast are celebrating a major relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions which will come into force on December 7. Business NSW has described the announcement from Premier Gladys Berejiklian as a “much-needed” break for the business community coming just in time for the Christmas boom season. The 2sqm rule will be

expanded and venue caps will be removed as NSW continues to record zero cases of community transmission. The former 4sqm rule will be replaced with the 2sqm rule at hospitality and retail venues and places of worship , except at gyms and nightclubs, where up to 50 people will now be allowed under the 4sqm rule. Up to 100 people will be allowed at outdoor gatherings and up to 5,000 for outdoor events that are fenced, ticketed and seated, subject to the

2sqm rule. Up to 3,000 people will be allowed at other organised outdoor events such as community sport and outdoor protests, also subject to the 2sqm rule. Up to 50 performers will be allowed at indoor events, with no maximum cap outdoors. Business NSW Central Coast Regional Director, Paula Martin, said the organisation had been working with government to provide a more consistent

approach to trading conditions across business. “This announcement will go a long way to reduce confusion and help business take advantage of an expected boom in trade over summer,” she said. “Central Coast retailers are our second highest employing sector providing nearly 15,000 local jobs. “We did not experience our usual swell of retail trade last summer due to the bushfires

and then Covid-19 destroyed any chance of making up for lost trade. “As the economy shows signs of recovery including tourism boosted by accommodation reporting full bookings until next February, retailers can get on with the business of planning for increased trade, hiring new staff and taking advantage of visitors coming to the Coast.” Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the rolling back of

restrictions would allow residents to live in a COVIDsafe way until the vaccine arrives in Australia. “It’s fantastic that everyone will be able to celebrate Christmas with family and friends in a more ‘normal”’ way,” Crouch said. “I would urge our community to continue remaining vigilant so that we can avoid any future COVID-19 outbreaks on the Coast.” Terry Collins

Green light for East Gosford units Units proposed for Melbourne St East Gosford have been approved by the Local Planning Panel. The proposal for 22 units in Melbourne St went to the panel because it attracted 38 submissions objecting to the plan. But the Panel was happy with amended plans which addressed some of the

concerns associated with key issues received from public submissions. Council said the public was not re-notified of the amended plans because they incorporated minor changes which improved many aspects but the proposal remained substantially the same. The applicant, White Dickson Architects on behalf of owner Robert K Hunter, plans a $7.6M

development at 32-36 Melbourne St,at the intersection with Adelaide St. It includes three single storey town houses and 19 two storey townhouses with underground parking for 38 cars. Council said the proposal varied from the guidelines because one skylight was slightly above the allowed height.

The setbacks were also noncompliant but Council said that despite this, the proposal was consistent with the intent of the Gosford Development Control Plan controls, objectives and future desired character of East Gosford. It is close to East Gosford shops, public transport and both primary and high schools as well as Elizabeth Ross Park and the Gosford Regional

Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden. The site already has consent issued by Council in 2017, to build two single-storey villas and 11 two-storey townhouses. The latest proposal went to the planning panel with the Council recommending approval. The Panel agreed, saying it was satisfied that the proposed

development provided sufficient on-site parking and would not adversely affect the traffic movements in the surrounding road network and that the proposal was satisfactory to the relevant environmental planning instruments, plans and policies. The decision was unanimous. Merilyn Vale

PAGE 26 4 DECEMBER 2020 BUSINESS

& PROPERTY

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HomeBuilder Scheme extended The extension of the HomeBuilder Scheme as announced recently by the Federal Government will be a major boost for the construction industry on the Central Coast, says Business NSW. The scheme currently provides $25,000 grants to eligible people building a new home or renovating an existing one and was due to expire at the end of the year. It has now been extended until March 31, but grants have been reduced to the lower rate of $15,000. Property price caps for new build contracts signed between January and March next year in

NSW will rise to $950,000 and the amount of time all approved applicants who signed contracts on or after June 4, 2020 are given to start construction will also be extended, from three months to six months. Minister Scott Morrison said the extension was expected to lead to another 15,000 construction projects, bringing the total anticipated renovations or builds under the program to 42,000. “This is a welcome move for Central Coast construction businesses as we continue to see demand for housing increase across the Central Coast,” Business NSW Regional

Director Paula Martin said. “The construction industry employees over 12,000 locals and is a leading employer of Apprentices and Trainees providing a valuable start to young people. “At the beginning of COVID-19, the construction industry was hit hard with local projects stalled or extended as a result of health restrictions. “In the last quarter however, we have started to see investment increase in both private and public developments. “Since June, there has been a hike in residential dwelling approvals for housing in Warnervale, Wadalba and

Charmhaven confirming the importance of the Northern Growth Corridor as a key development area for the Central Coast. “Flat and apartment approvals in Patonga and Gosford have also increased with some record pricing reached, driven in part by increased demand from Sydney siders wishing to make the move to the Central Coast throughout COVID-19. “As working from home continues to be a normal part of our working arrangements, renovating or buying a new home on the Central Coast will be attractive for both locals and Sydney-siders. “We need to ensure that we

have the right policy measures in place to accelerate developments to meet our growing needs and ensure local builders are employed to deliver these projects.” The news has also been welcomed by the Housing Industry Association (HIA), which says it will support the delivery of new home and renovation projects across the Hunter and Central Coast. “The extension to the HomeBuilder package will support thousands of residential building industry workers, along with those in the manufacturing and retail sectors,” HIA Hunter Executive Director, Craig Jennion, said.

“The announcement reflects the importance of the home building industry and the role the industry plays in generating jobs and economic activity. “Adjustments to the scheme, especially those regarding price caps, will attract additional home buyers in the Hunter and Central Coast to the scheme. “Combined with the critical additional time to commence for both new and current applicants, giving builders six months from signing a contract to start work, HIA expects the take up of the grant will remain strong.” Terry Collins

JobKeeper key to recovery – Business NSW Restoring the Central Coast economy to pre-COVID levels will be dependent on how the JobKeeper stimulus is withdrawn and how business prepare for this, says Business NSW Central Coast.

“There is no doubt that the JobKeeper program has been and continues to be a helpful stimulus across the Central Coast business community,” Regional Director, Paula Martin, said. “The latest ATO data shows

that for the fourth month in a row, over 11,000 local businesses are using the program to keep their staff in jobs. “Having 48 per cent of our economy reliant on government support is a sober reminder

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that we are still in a pandemic. “Whilst some businesses in manufacturing, retail and accommodation are almost back to normal, we still have industries that will take years to recover including our tourism, arts and music

industry. “We have an immediate opportunity to take advantage of a boom Christmas period but accessing staff will be key. “According to the latest Business NSW Business

Conditions Survey, skills shortages have again become a top barrier for business growth.” Source: Media release, Nov 30 Business NSW Central Coast

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 27 4 DECEMBER 2020

First Stage of The Rise opens in Erina The first vertical retirement development of its kind on the Coast has opened at Erina. The first stage of RetireAustralia’s boutique apartment project, The Rise at Wood Glen, features 24 architecturally designed deluxe apartments. RetireAustralia Development Manager, Bill Clydesdale, said the opening of The Rise represented a major milestone

for retirement living in a region already hugely popular with downsizers. “These new premium apartments meet a need for high quality retirement options on the Central Coast,’’ Clydesdale said. The Rise apartments are designed by leading seniors living architects Marchese Partners and offer residents access to Wood Glen’s wide range of community facilities. A Twilight Experience to be

held from 4.30-6.30pm on Friday, November 27, will allow prospective residents to view a newly completed display apartment on the third floor. There will also be Friday Happy Hour refreshments and canapes. RSVP is essential at https:// rsvp.retireaustralia.com.au/ RiseTwilight/ Source: Media release, Nov 23 RetireAustralia

The Rise at Erina

Coast Connect Central Coast Council’s weekly news and community information

From Council The issue of the week is a possible Special Rate Variation (SRV). I’ve been clear from week one that an SRV, possible asset sales, service reductions, and further borrowings would all be considered. A POSSIBLE SRV came up because there are procedural deadlines to meet for it to be considered by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Councils wanting an SRV need to advise IPART by the end of November 2020. Any council proposing to do so needs a resolution of Council to proceed. I held an Extraordinary Meeting on 26 November to gain that approval in the event it is decided to seek an SRV in 2021. If these procedural steps were not taken last week the option would have been lost. It is not certain that an SRV will be necessary. I will do everything possible to avoid it. The impact of COVID has been very uneven. Some have experienced little change to their incomes. Others have been hit hard. I will release my report outlining what I think went wrong and what options we have to get back to a stronger financial position on 2 December. I will consult before making any decisions. I repeat, no decision has been made about a rate increase.

Dick Persson AM Administrator, Central Coast Council

Council meeting

To find out when the next Council meeting is and to view it online go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ meetings

Destination NSW

Major boost for the Coast

The Central Coast is on its way to becoming a certified ECO Destination through the Ecotourism Australia and WWF-Australia funded partnership, which will support the region with a two-year $30,000 package that covers all costs to progress through the ECO Destination program.

The Coast has been selected along with five other bushfire affected destinations, including the Blue Mountains (NSW) and Kangaroo Island (SA), to move toward formal recognition of our world-class eco-tourism offerings. We have so much to offer – stunning beaches, incredible bushwalks, picturesque hinterland, adventure activities, boutique shopping, great locally produced food, a vibrant dining scene – and this certification will give us an internationally recognised stamp of approval.

The Central Coast currently has five operators already certified with Ecotourism Australia: • TreeTops (Advanced Ecotourism and Ecotourism certified) – Ourimbah State Forest • Noonaweena (Advanced Ecotourism and Nature Tourism certified) – Kulnura • Aquafun Avoca Lake (Ecotourism certified) – Avoca Beach • Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre (Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action Business certified) – Terrigal • Peak Potential Adventures (Ecotourism certified) – Charmhaven. As part of the program, additional local tourism operators will have the opportunity to pursue certification and be supported with tools to help their business become more sustainable.

Development Applications and Consents Development Applications and Consents can be inspected at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au by searching ‘Development Applications’ or in person at Council offices in Gosford and Wyong 8.30am-5pm weekdays.

Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2019, submissions on Development Applications are required to be published on our website. Submissions lodged using Council’s DA Submission Form or online portal will have personal contact details and signature redacted. All other submissions will be published in full. Your submission may also be reproduced in full in Council reports or in Court proceedings.

Interested tourism businesses, stakeholders and the community can learn more through attending a satellite version of the 2020 Global EcoConference, which will be live streamed at a venue on the Central Coast from 1-3 December.

Outdoor permits and dining

Outdoor living is part of our culture on the Central Coast and where appropriate, we’re encouraging local hospitality businesses to expand their dining and table services to use adjoining public footpaths and spaces by applying for an outdoor dining approval. The commercial use of outdoor spaces not only supports local businesses but also benefits our community with increased social, cultural and fitness opportunities, enhanced town vibrancy and safety, and provides a boost to our region’s economy and local jobs.

We will always preserve open space areas for general community use, whilst supporting Central Coast businesses to safely use suitable spaces.

Several local businesses are already taking advantage of the opportunity to undertake business activity on Council managed open space areas - such as footpaths, beaches, parks and sports fields. For more information on how to apply, search ‘outdoor permits’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Council’s financial situation

Council has adopted a Recovery Action Plan that will review all aspects of Council’s operations. For up-to-date information search ‘news’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

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Airport trees to be trimmed at last Trees will be trimmed at Warnervale airport, a decision that brings to a close a saga of reports and recriminations over safety. The trees had increased the angle of approach for planes landing at the strip. The decision was made at the latest Central Coast Council meeting after administrator Dick Persson heard differing sides to the story from three people addressing the public forum. Persson said he remembered a similar discussion about trimming trees during his time at Warringah Council on the northern beaches of Sydney. He had spoken to residents who did not want trees trimmed at Beacon Hill Lookout. But with the operative word being lookout, he didn’t believe the argument needed to be had. It was the same for Warnervale, with the safety of the pilots being paramount, and so he adopted the staff recommendation to trim the trees. Before he did, though, he listened to three speakers.

Laurie Eyes, from the Airport Resistance Group, gave a detailed and technical speech explaining his views on why the reports to Council were flawed. He questioned the need to trim the trees, saying they may have reached maturity and may not grow any higher. Two other speakers, John Codrington and Andrew Smith, spoke in favour of the trimming. Codrington thanked the administrator for visiting the

airport, saying some councillors had never visited. He explained “mechanical turbulence” where any strong breeze blowing over the top of trees can disturb the airflow and cause windshear which results in loss of height outside the control of a pilot. Smith said Warnervale Airport has been a fixture on the Central Coast for 47 years, and has trained countless numbers of Central Coast locals in that time for their careers with

airlines, in the defence force or in general aviation. “Central Coast Aero Club and its operational arm, Warnervale Air, have been the sole providers of flight training throughout that period,” Smith said. “In that entire 47-year period, we have never had a serious injury or fatality, despite having flown close to 100,000 hours, and travelled the equivalent of over 20,000,000 km. “This is enough to travel

around the earth’s equator 500 times. “These statistics are mentioned to illustrate that safety is something taken extremely seriously at the Central Coast Aero Club, and something which has always been the cornerstone of our operations. “At the Central Coast Council meeting of August 12, 2019, Council heard from numerous industry experts about the

hazards of the tree lines. “The recommendation by those experts was unanimous that they be trimmed immediately.” The staff report to Council included hundreds of pages detailing the saga to date. The Council had to carry out an environmental assessment under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EP&A Act) prior to consent to mow, slash or trim the vegetation. The report concluded that, based on the advice, the pruning of the trees at the northern end of the runway can be carried out in accordance with Part 5 of Act. “The issue of pruning the trees at the southern end of the runway is much more complex.” It said. “There is currently no clear approval pathway to do this work without changes to either local or state planning instruments or legislation.” Quotes are currently open for the cost of pruning the trees. Merilyn Vale

Number of job seekers falling on Coast The number of job seekers on the Central Coast decreased in October by 1,017. This leaves 18,868 people receiving the JobSeeker supplement, with those receiving Youth Allowance taking the figure to 21,404. Data received by Data Analytics company, SeeChange, also shows job vacancies on the Central Coast has been slowly rising since July, with 1440 positions now available. As of October, this makes the JobSeeker/Youth allowance per job vacancy rate 15 to 1, a significant drop since the peak of COVID in May which was 36 to 1. Founder of See-Change, Patrick Spedding, said the overall number of Jobseeker payments is still highest in

Gosford, Woy Woy, Umina and North Central Coast (Charmhaven, The Entrance). “The highest proportion of JobSeeker/Youth Allowance recipients as a percentage of population is in The Entrance and Wyong (9.4%),” he said. The occupations which have seen an increase in job vacancies are labourers, trades workers and sales assistants. “Conversely, ICT professionals, engineers, medical practitioners and managers all remain down year over year,” Spedding said. “Payroll jobs data shows a significant dip early October, possibly driven by the decrease in the JobKeeper rate. “However payroll jobs appear to be picking back up, particularly in the north Central Coast (old Wyong LGA).” Jacinta Counihan

Job seekers per job vacancy

VIDEO INTERVIEW Spotlights

CCN

Each Wednesday we publish a longer-form interview story about local people, places or issues. coastcommunitynews.com.au

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Hospital to expand nursing scholarship scheme Gosford Private Hospital will continue its nursing scholarship and placement program next year, with plans to expand the scheme to Brisbane Waters Private.

Jennifer McNamara, Director of Clinical Services at Gosford Private Hospital

The scholarship program, facilitated by Healthe Care, works on a two-tier basis with a placement opportunity at the hospitals as students work with mentors to deliver quality health care services to the community, and an opportunity to be funded throughout their studies. Director of Clinical Services at Gosford Private Hospital, Jennifer McNamara, says it’s crucial to maintain the nursing workforce on the Central Coast. “We get a lot of amazing students travelling here to do their placement but unfortunately we do not retain

them, with many preferring to return to their home communities,” she said. “In response we worked collaboratively with Wyong TAFE to offer nine placements this year and one funded scholarship to support our local nursing students who are really well suited and want to work on the Central Coast once they complete their studies.” This year there were 60 applicants for the collaborative placement and scholarship opportunities. The collaborative placement offers nine students the opportunity to complete their placement at a Healthe Care hospital with the intention for them to continue working at the facility, working as an assistant in nursing while they complete their Diploma. One scholarship was offered this year with the recipient

receiving funds for course fees and a guarantee of work in their designated hospital for two years. This year’s successful scholarship recipient, Emily Crawford, said the program was rewarding. “I’ve always been really interested in caring for people and my love for nursing began from there, so I decided to apply for the scholarship,” she said. “The whole experience has been really rewarding so far with everyone at the hospital being so helpful, always offering support and motivating me. “Being given guidance when I don’t come from a nursing background has been a huge help and given me so much relief and I would recommend the program to anyone who has an interest in the profession.”

Smeethy Cup raises $10,000 to fight brain cancer Nathan Walker and his friends have raised $10,000 for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, after holding their second Smeethy Cup in honour of a friend who has passed away. The all-day golf and bowls event was held at the Breakers Country Club at Wamberal on November 27 and included 72 people. The first Smeethy Cup, held in May, 2019, included David Smeeth and aimed at raising money for his family. Combined with money made from a race day, it raised around $100,000.

David Smeeth lost his fight with brain cancer in August last year and the friends decided to make the Smeethy Cup an annual event. The 2020 event was initially meant to be in May but was delayed due to COVID-19. “I decided with a couple of mates that we should hold something every year,” Walker said. “It is a great way to see a lot of our mates and come together for a good cause. “This was the first year we have partnered with Cure Brain Cancer.” The day consisted of nine holes of golf, followed by a

round of bowls, with the lowest scoring team winning. “David’s daughter Ella drove the beer cart around to keep participants refreshed and a presentation was organised for the end of the day,” Walker said. “People who were not involved because of numbers are already excited to join next year.” Walker said it was extremely popular and sold out in only a few weeks. “It is a great way for us to put everything down, have a bit of a laugh, and get together,” Walker said. Jacinta Counihan

Smeethy Cup participants

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Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch says the program is exactly what the Coast needs. “We have an ageing population and it’s vital we start to proactively think about the future of our community and how we can guarantee the Central Coast hospital care won’t be compromised,” Tesch said. “The masterminds behind [the program] are so passionate, working to make our community stronger and healthier and also provide opportunities for our youth. “Our locals deserve the very best health care and I can’t wait to watch this program grow and for the benefits to be felt all over the Central Coast.” Source: Media release, Nov 26 Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31 4 DECEMBER 2020

Refreshing Watermelon, Feta & Coriander Salad

GEORGIA LIENEMANN

’m back this week with one of my favourite Summer recipes: a coriander-lover’s twist on a modern classic. Try this once and I guarantee you’ll make great use of it over the Summer. It’s always on high rotation at our place, especially when we’re entertaining as it never fails to impress. If you’re a fan of quick, fuss-free and extremely flavourful salads like I am, this one takes the cake. With just four ingredients that can be roughly diced, the whole salad can be thrown together in a matter of minutes, making it one of the easiest Summer recipes you could ask for. It can even be prepped ahead of time. You may have come across a version of this

salad with mint, which is the traditional choice of herbal accompaniment, but trust me – coriander trumps it. That is of course, unless you have that incredibly unfortunate genetic glitch that has stripped you of any capacity to appreciate this fabulous herb. Somehow, I made it through unscathed, but most of my family agree that it tastes like soap. Needless to say, I don’t make this much for them. Most of us grew up loving watermelon. Along with cherries and mangoes, it’s one of the most memorable flavours of Summer. However, these days, with many people more focused on health (sometimes obsessively so), and a reductionist approach to nutrition and food taking hold in the mainstream, for many of us, watermelon has been reduced to ‘sugar and water’ in our minds. Empty calories, lacking any real nutrition. In case you’re going there, I just wanted to draw your attention to a few nutritional facts about this delicious and refreshing fruit. Although, it’s important to note here that whole foods are more than the sum of their parts. The field of nutrition is such an embarrassingly young science - there’s still so much we don’t know. Reducing foods down to their components means we’re missing some of the magic. I’m more a proponent of enjoying fresh, whole foods without overthinking it. Nevertheless, here are some little-known facts about watermelon.

More Lycopene than tomatoes A USDA study found that on average, it contains 40% more bioavailable Lycopene than raw tomatoes. Lycopene is one of the most powerful antioxidants discovered to date and is strongly anti-inflammatory and potentially protective against stroke, ovarian cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV).

A great source of Citrulline Watermelon is one of the richest sources of the amino acid, Citrulline. In fact, the compound takes its name from the Latin term for watermelon, Citrullus Vulgaris. The amount of citrulline depends predominantly on the watermelon variety. Yellow watermelon – often called ‘champagne’ melon – has slightly more than the popular red varieties and it’s worth noting that the rind also contains a fair amount of Citrulline as well. As long as they’re organic and well washed, the rinds are edible. Citrulline has become a popular supplement in the field of sport and for cardiovascular health. It is efficiently converted into Arginine in the body – a precursor to Nitric Oxide (NO). Nitric Oxide is a muscle relaxant which lowers blood pressure, improves cardiovascular function and interestingly or not helps with erectile dysfunction via the same mechanism as Viagra. With regard to exercise, it’s been shown to improve endurance and reduce fatigue by increasing the uptake of oxygen by the muscles under strain. Citrulline has been shown to be much more effective in boosting Nitric Oxide than

the oft-recommended supplemental Arginine, which the body often metabolises before it can be converted to NO. This explains why Citrulline is such an effective natural treatment for erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disorders. Preliminary research has also demonstrated a potential to improve insulin sensitivity.

A source of Cucurbitacin E Watermelons also contain cucurbitacin, which has been studied extensively since the sixties and shown to be a promising therapeutic agent against cancer proliferation, as an immunomodulator and for the prevention of neurodegeneration in conditions like Parkinson’s. It also assists in the treatment of pain and inflammation via the same mechanism as popular COX-2 inhibitors, aspirin and ibuprofen.

Nice Summer salad, but what about the fructose? For those in the habit of monitoring their consumption of fructose, watermelon contains a reasonable amount, so you may want to skip this one. Or you can simply enjoy a small portion as a palate cleanser or accompanying side salsa. For anyone else concerned about fructose, it’s worth noting that the recent hysteria revolves mainly around high-fructose corn syrup and its cousins. There’s still a distinct dearth of studies looking at fruit-derived fructose and its effects on healthy folk, so until we know more, best not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Watermelon, Feta and Coriander Salad

Well I hope I’ve given you enough reasons to try this one over the course of Summer. Even typing this piece has me excited about making it again, after a such a long wait! The salad is best served fresh, so if you’re entertaining, you can dice the melon, feta, onion and coriander beforehand and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Plating up takes a few seconds - simply toss the ingredients together with the lime juice and salt and you’re good to go. I tend to utilise coriander stems in my rustic, flung together salads on a day-to-day basis, but if you’re wanting to make a more delicate dish when entertaining, it’s best to use the leaves only and save the stems and roots for something else. Yield: 2 large servings

Ingredients: • 600g of watermelon flesh, cubed (roughly 1/4 of a small watermelon) • 90g feta, cut into small cubes • 1/2 bunch coriander, very finely chopped (roughly 1/2 cup, tightly packed) • 1/4 small red onion, finely diced • 1/8 cup lemon/lime juice (roughly 2 small lemons/limes) • Pinch of salt

Method: Place all ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

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Boosting mums’ body image Mum and owner of Strong Mums Fitness at East Gosford, Louise Hurley, will run a free workout for mums at the Gosford waterfront on December 5, as part of the No More PreBaby Body campaign. She wants to unite mothers over a fun workout and encourage them to connect and say no to the ‘pre-baby body’ pressure. The Australia and New Zealand wide #nomoreprebabybody movement calls on mums to post a picture of themselves on social media with their own personal message on what the movement means to them.

Louise Hurley from Strong Mums

Hurley said she wants mothers to feel comfortable in their skin and reject the notion their bodies should “bounce back” and look just as they did before pregnancy. “To me, it seems cruel and unfair that a woman should feel guilty and pressured into looking as though her body hasn’t grown and birthed a baby when it actually has,” Hurley said. “It’s time to celebrate what amazing things a mum’s body can do and push back against the pressure of bouncing back to pre-baby size, shape and weight.” Hurley is one of 47 affiliate partners working with the Body

Beyond Baby fitness community founded by Sydney mum of two, Jen Dugard. Dugard is one of 10 women who kicked off the #nomoreprebabybody movement in 2019, which saw women of all shapes and sizes share their pictures on social media. “As women, we’re fed unrealistic beauty standards in the form of heavily edited and filtered images on social media,” Dugard said. “If that’s not enough, when women become mothers, there’s an added and unrealistic pressure to ensure you get your ‘pre-baby body back’ which can fuel self-doubt and lead us

Training video makes finals of national awards A training video developed by Central Coast-based Next Step Community Services has been nominated as a finalist in the Suncorp Resilient Australian National Community Award category in the 2020 Resilient Australia Awards. The five-minute Autism Awareness training video, Ask Me What I Need, was designed for emergency services to provide them with basic strategies to implement when engaging with youth and adults identifying as autistic in emergency situations. Emergency services can include providers, medical practitioners, criminal justice systems, security, and schools. Ask Me What I Need project manager, Berinda Karp, said it was the first video of its kind

and autistic adults were consulted and included in all stages of the project “We did a soft launch in February where had a mix of services such as SES, St Johns, Fire and Rescue and more,” she said. “Straight after that launch we had a call from the one of the emergency services who told us they received a call out straight after. “There was situation which involved police and security guards surrounding a young man with a disability. “They said from what they learnt from the video and the training, they were able to deescalate and resolve the situation in minutes. “The SES also called me and said they attended a vertical rescue where they implemented the strategy.

If you’re reading this, so are

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“They said that also resulted in a really positive outcome for the dad and his son with autism. “That is what the video is for, to be able to look at the situation and put in slightly different strategies to what rescue and emergency services would normally do. “By implementing these strategies, they are saving lives and saving time. “People loved the video so much that now additional training will be available.” The annual Resilient Australia Awards recognise initiatives by schools, communities, local and state governments, and businesses that showcase innovation and exemplary practice across Australia, built stronger communities and encouraged others to strive for greater resilience. The winners of the awards will be announced on Friday, December 4, with the ceremony taking place at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. Jacinta Counihan

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The Ask Me What I Need launch team

to evaluate our self-worth. “For years, I struggled with body image after having babies. “I have struggled with disordered eating, depression and anxiety. “I have stood in (front of) the mirror trying to look smaller, grabbing parts of my body, crying at the bits that didn’t look or feel right. “I have now come to a place where I finally understand my body is not a measure of my self-worth.” The December 5 event will be at Lion’s Park waterfront, Gosford, at 9.30 am. Jacinta Counihan

PAGE 34 4 DECEMBER 2020 HEALTH & LIFETSYLE

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Arts and health go hand in hand at Thai Mondays A publication on a series of creativity and wellbeing conversations held on the Central Coast called Thai Mondays has been recognised by the National Network of Arts and Health. Director of Salus Creatives and founder of Thai Mondays, Elio Gatti, has been running the Monday monthly gatherings at local Thai restaurants since 2018. He aims to create a space where local-born creatives can come together debate, discuss and share ideas on how creatives’ arts and health work hand in hand. “Each month we ask a local creative who is a master in their field to present how their field of creativity works hand in hand with wellbeing,” Gatti said. “We are very careful to give a voice to people who know what they are talking about. “There needs to be a level of quality.” People who attend the Thai

Participants at Martin Taylor’s conversation on Monday 23 November

lunch are encouraged to discuss and ask questions on the topic, which is all then combined into an article constructed by Gatti and the speaker. “The group is a little bit like a think tank,” Gatti said. “It’s a place to unwind and a place to get to know each other. “It has no membership and is open to everyone.”

Gatti said the National Network of Arts and Health was really interested in the publication as they did not know of any other groups holding these meetings. “The National Network of Arts and Health was established in 2019 by three universities, in partnership with the Black Dog Institute,” Gatti said. “The publication went

instrumental in developing the Five Lands walk. “History, Arts and Science have historically been very separate,” he said. “Art was for entertainment, and health was science. “This separation held true for over 100 years. “Thirty years ago in Canada, they opened a centre for arts and health, and (opened one)

Central Coast bus operator Busways is spreading the Christmas spirit to raise funds for two charities as it gives its buses a festive makeover.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has issued a warning about staying sun safe as the weather heats up and more and more Central Coast residents are taking to our beaches.

Keep your eye out for Christmas decorated Busways buses

the company’s Central Coast depots. “Staff have taken pride in decorating their buses and can’t wait to see the smiling faces of their passengers when they hop on the bus each day,” Grima said. “We’d love to top funds raised in previous years after what has been a challenging year for many to say the least. “Our Christmas buses get

Jacinta Counihan

Staying sun safe as summer heats up

Bus or sleigh?

A selection of Busways’ Central Coast buses have been decked out in Christmas finery and will brighten the region’s streets until December 22, running on variety of different routes. Customers are asked to get on board and support the festive fundraising drive, donating to the Starlight Children’s Foundation (in the Gosford area) or Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (in the Wyong area). Busways has started the ball rolling with a $5,000 donation to be shared by charities nominated across all its 18 depots from Yamba on the NSW north coast to Penrith in Western Sydney and Lonsdale in South Australia. Operations Manager at Gosford, Jeff Grima, said the Christmas Bus Initiative was driven by the people working at

national, so this was a big deal for the Central Coast and for us.” Gatti is no stranger to the creative cultural space, spending two decades working as an academic by day, and director by night with theatre and movement companies around NSW. He also worked for Gosford Council for 16 years and was

10 years ago in the UK. “Then in 2018, three Australian universities and the Black Dog Institute realised that arts and health is a thing, and it works. “This marriage can bring insight, especially for mental health, because it is an illness that is invisible. “For example, we now know that creativity can help sufferers of chronic fatigue.” The next Thai Mondays conversation on December 14 will be presented by speaker Stuart McKinn on First Nations Method, A New Way Forward, and held at Saifon Thai Restaurant in Gosford. Gatti said he chose Thai because the food is delicious and spicy, just like the conversations. “Thai represents to us a little exotic, varied, bit different and spicy, the characteristics of this marriage of science on one part and arts on the other,” he said,

behind a great cause and create a good feeling for everyone. “We encourage the community to enjoy and donate. “Busways wishes all our customers a happy and safe festive holiday season.” Source: Media release, Dec 1 Busways

Newspapers

National President of the Guild, George Tambassis said prevention of sunburn and being sensible in the sun were critical to helping avoid melanomas. He said the Cancer Council highlights that exposure to ultra-violet radiation from the sun or solariums is responsible for about 95 per cent of skin cancers, the most dangerous of which is melanoma. Last year it was expected that there would be more than 15,000 diagnoses of melanoma of the skin - close to one diagnosis every half hour, according to the Melanoma Institute Australia. Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australian men, after prostate and

George Tambassis

colorectal cancer, and is the most common cancer affecting 15 to 39-year-old Australians. “While many people are sunburnt taking part in water sports and activities at the beach or a pool, gardening or having a barbeque present just as many dangers,” Tambassis said. “Sunburn is also common on

cooler or overcast days and you can still be sunburnt when the temperature is cool. “However, enjoyment outdoors does not have to be ruled out if some simple preventative precautions are taken,and your local community pharmacy is your one-stop shop for skin protection products and professional advice from the pharmacist.” Tambassis said the Cancer Council recommendations for the best protection should be followed. These include: sun-protective clothing that covers as much of our skin as possible; using broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and then every two hours afterwards; wearing a hat that protects the face, head, neck and ears; seeking shade; and wearing sunglasses that meet Australian Standards. Source: Media release, Nov 30 Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Central Coast

CCN

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SCIENCE & EDUCATION

PAGE 35 4 DECEMBER 2020

Students benefit from positive behaviour Chertsey Primary School students who have displayed positive behaviour with learning (PBL) will be able to zoom around on their bike or scooter at school on December 15, as part of an NSW Department of Education initiative. Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is an educational process that brings together the whole-school community

to contribute to developing a positive, safe and supportive learning culture. Assistant Principal and Wellbeing Advisor, Naomi Gay, said this PBL day falls in line with their PDHPE unit Healthy, Safe and Active Lifestyles. “One way we implement the PBL strategy is by hosting a term event where students displaying our positive expectations are invited to attend a ‘fun day’ organised by staff,” Gay said.

“We have set up a track including lanes, stop/go signs, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings. “Part of the event includes a unit on bike safety prior to the event, where our students learn how to fit a helmet, adjust seat height, check brakes and chains in order to ride safely. “We find this approach to teaching bike safety fosters engagement and provides students with vital safety skills when riding to and from school,

or on the weekends with friends. “We want to equip our students with the right information about bike safety and the responsibility to check over their bikes before riding. “As part of the event, we are having a sausage sizzle. “The money raised from this will fund next year’s PBL Rewards Day, as we host one every term.” Jacinta Counihan

Students sitting on the school’s PBL Buddy Bench with their PBL mascot, Chester the dragon

Tutors, final year Uni students wanted The State Government is looking for university tutors, students undertaking their final year of university study and casual and retired teachers on the Central Coast to take part in its new free tuition program. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member

for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the $377M program, which will see students at public schools receive free tutoring in 2021, was announced in the 2020-21 NSW Budget on November 17. “2020 has been an incredibly difficult and disruptive year, particularly for our students who had to ‘learn from home’ for seven weeks due to

COVID-19,” Crouch said “The NSW Government wants to ensure that students can better engage in their schooling and improve educational outcomes.” Crouch said more than 8,000 people state-wide had already expressed interest in taking part in the free tuition program. “To deliver this small-group

teaching, up to 5,500 additional staff will be hired by the NSW Government,” he said. “I am encouraging Central Coast based university tutors, final year teaching students and casual and retired teachers to apply online now. “Each applicant will receive an email letting them know how to progress to the next

step. “Not only will the tuition support our students in their education, it will also provide unprecedented job opportunities for tutors and teachers who may be short on work.” Applications from casual and retired teachers opened on November 27, and applications

from university tutors and final year teaching students on November 30. For more information, go to: www.teach.nsw.edu.au/findteaching-jobs/covid-learningsupport-program. Source: Media release, Nov 30 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Reskilling for the future To help Central Coast job seekers and school leavers reskill for the future, TAFE NSW has committed close to $160M to fund hundreds of fee-free and low-cost courses.

TAFE NSW Managing Director, Steffen Faurby

community services, food sciences, agriculture, horticulture, accounting and finance, and building trades. TAFE NSW Managing Director, Steffen Faurby, urged Coast residents to investigate how the JobTrainer and Summer Skills programs could help them gain the skills to be indemand in the post-COVID jobs market.

The money, which matches the Australian Government’s JobTrainer fund, targets growth employment sectors such as healthcare, early childhood,

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“We have to skill the workforce to take advantage of future job opportunities which may be very different to jobs in the pre-COVID economy,” Faurby said. “TAFE NSW is absolutely committed to ensuring NSW remains the most highly skilled workforce in the country. “We are working closely with industry to ensure we are

delivering a pipeline of jobready graduates armed with the latest skills to help kickstart the economy.” TAFE NSW’s Summer Skills fee-free short course program is specifically designed to help school leavers bridge the gap from school to work, or school to further study. “The Summer Skills program is a great opportunity for young

people to get a taste of different industries and ensure they get a head start in the changing jobs market,” Faurby said. Enrolments for job seekers and school leavers are now open at TAFE NSW through the JobTrainer and Summer Skills programs. Source Media Release Nov 26 TAFE NSW

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CARPENTRY

TRADE SERVICES

ANTENNAS

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Classified advertising is the cheapest form of newspaper advertising. This newspaper is also published on line on the publication date, and is also read that way by hundreds of people. All advertisements, including these classified advertising pages, appear in full on-line as an additional benefit for free.

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See www.coastcommunitynews.com.au Central Coast Newspapers’ classified advertising rates are relatively much lower than in other newspapers and at the same time much larger than in other newspapers, with the minimum size being 50mm X 42mm. Approximately 20,000 copies of this newspaper are printed and distributed every week.

Personal and Not For Profit Organisations

As Central Coast Newspapers are community newspapers, the cost of advertising not for profit organisations’ events is subsidised. This makes them the same rate as non business advertisements. A mono 5cm advertisement only costs $33. Each additional cm costs $6.60 as does colour, and/or a photograph or a logo. Private advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

Business and In Memoriam rates

The minimum size of 5cm X a single column only costs $50 + GST in mono and an extra $10 + GST for colour, a logo or a photograph. Classified advertisements in all 3 papers are only $40+GST each. Most businesses choose to advertise on an ongoing basis and discounts apply for multiple bookings, if they are paid for in full, in advance. Having a prepaid classified advertisement run for 6 editions only costs $250 + GST and $50 + GST more for colour. For 12 editions, it is $495 + GST and $100+ GST more for colour. For 24 editions, it is only $950 + GST and $200 + GST for colour, a saving of $290 + GST. Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their advertisements frequently

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SCIENCE & EDUCATION

PAGE 37 4 DECEMBER 2020

Local students to feature in Schools Spectacular Students from Central Coast schools will make their television debut when this year’s Schools Spectacular is broadcast nationally on December 5. Bailey Mitchell, Ryan Goldsworthy and Jada Johnston from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Berkeley Vale Campus and Kurt Dawson from Wadalba Community School will be featured dancers Students from Gorokan Public School, Gosford High School, Kariong Public School, Kincumber High School, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Tumbi Umbi Campus, Northlakes High School, Wadalba Community School, Warners Bay High School and Wamberal Public School will also take part. Tens of thousands of family

and friends are expected to tune in to watch 5,500 students perform. Schools Spectacular Creative Director, Sonja Sjolander said it will also be great viewing for anyone who wants to watch joyous, uplifting television. “The infectious enthusiasm and amazing talent of our Schools Spectacular will warm everyone’s hearts,” Sjolander said. “We’ve been thrilled by the accolades that have followed this year’s show. “They have praised the richness, colour, vitality and creativity – and, of course, this makes for great television.” Sjolander said there will be something for everybody from a rock band, to a 100-piece symphony orchestra and a 2800-voice choir

accompanying the classical ballet. John Foreman, himself an alumni of the Schools Spectacular, will compere the show and play the grand piano. Each year the Schools Spectacular has a theme and this year it was STARS. “Everyone truly lived up to their star billing,” Sjolander said. “They really shone and together our galaxy of stars made the 2019 Schools Spectacular a show to remember.” The Schools Spectacular will be broadcast Australia-wide on the Seven Network, including Prime7 across regional NSW, at 7pm on Saturday, December 5. Source: Media release, Dec 2 Schools Spectacular

The Schools Spectacular will feature more than 5,000 students

School mums tap into inner artist

Terrigal Public School Mums Masterpiece night

Mums at Terrigal Public School tapped into their inner artist for the P&C Mums Masterpiece night, held on Friday, November 27. Organiser and P&C Vice President, Tonia Barclay, said the night was a complete success. “The ladies absolutely loved it,” Barclay said. “None of the mums had been allowed on the school grounds

WANTED TO BUY

all year, so I wanted to bring them back together and create that community feel again.” Barclay asked Brad Wilkinson from Create Collective to run the night. His business involves teaching art to kids aged 5 to 13 in out of school hours. “I knew Brad because my daughter does his classes in the afternoons,” she said. “Painting nights have become really popular with Pinot & Picasso Terrigal being

introduced,” she said. “I was really struggling to get ideas for fundraisers because of COVID. “So I thought, how can I utilise the hall and make sure I have the right square metre distancing? “I decided to hold an art night for mums in the school hall. “The paintings the ladies did are amazing, and Brad did such a great job teaching. “I came up with the idea of Terrigal beach as I thought it

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would be a great idea to have our own beach to paint.

“Our Principal, Michael Burgess, was wonderful.

PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT KOOLEWONG NSW 1. Optus plans to upgrade a telecommunications facility at 1 Brisbane Water Drive, Koolewong NSW 2256 (RFNSA 2250095) 2. The proposed facility consists of: - New mount on the existing 25m Telstra monopole; - Two (2) new panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m long); - One (1) new 4.5 bay outdoor cabinets mounted at ground level adjacent to the pole; and - Ancillary equipment including but not limited to; four (4) new Radio Remote Units (RRU’s); steel antenna mounts, cabling; electrical works and other associated equipment. 3. Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

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4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Joanna Ward/0447 682 140, or via the Lendlease Wireless Consultation inbox at optus.enquiries@wirelessconsultation.com.au or Zenith Centre, Level 5, Tower B, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2167, by 18 December 2020. 5. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2250095

“He allowed us to have alcohol on the premises for the first time.” Jacinta Counihan

IN MEMORIAM

VAN EPEN, Joan Edwina

05/04/1945 – 01/12/2020 Passed away Peacefully Beloved wife of Philip. Loving mother to Cristina, Kim & Tanya. Proud nana to Jye, Clay, Janai, Paris, Rhys & Dylan. Treasured friend to many.

In our Hearts forever Aged 75 YRS A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at Greenway Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 460 Avoca Dr, Green Point on Thursday 10th December 2020. Attendance required at 11.40 am for Covid sign in with service commencement at 12.00 am

4324 1533

PAGE 38 4 DECEMBER 2020

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NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

CCN ARTS & CULTURE CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY

Lectures, demonstrations and discussion. Weekly paint-outs enquiries Tuesday. Phone: 0428 439 180 Workshops: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, at Gosford Regional Gallery & Art Centre. Phone: 0409 666 709 Social Meetings 1.30 pm on 4th Wednesday for demonstration 4325 1420

publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

CENTRAL COAST POETS INC

Thurs of the month at The Entrance Community Centre 4333 8387 www.tlas.org.au president@tlas.org.au

COMMUNITY GROUPS ABC - “The Friends”

Safeguard ABC’s independence, funding, & standards. Meetings through the year & social mornings Well-known guest speakers 0400 213 514 www.fabcnsw.org.au

CENTRAL COAST CARAVANNERS

3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Trips Away, Social Outings, friendship with like minded folk Geoff 0447 882 150

www.ccmdc.org.au

TERRIGAL WAMBERAL RSL SUB-BRANCH

Pension and welfare officers available to assist with DVA compensation claims and benefits Breakers Country Club Wed & Fri 10am – Midday Meet 2nd Sat 10am 4384 2661

Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw. org.au.

U3A CENTRAL COAST

Enjoy a diverse range of courses and activities for seniors. Keep your mind active and make new friends. 0408 704 701

www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au Would you like to read, write and share your poetry. VOLUNTEERING We hold workshops and create anthologies. CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY LEGAL We meet the second Saturday Refer potential volunteers to CENTRE each month. community organisations & Not for profit service providing Wyoming Memorial Community provide support to them. free legal advice Hall. Contact us by email Training to volunteers and Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm info@centralcoastpoets.com.au managers of volunteers Info 4353 4988 or you may ring Clive sessions held regularly. contact@centralcoastclc.org.au 0419120347 4329 7122

HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD

LEARN TO DANCE

recruit@volcc.org.au

Social ballroom dancing for all COMMUNITY CENTRES ages, all you need is a desire to learn and dance, no partner required. GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE Spinning and weaving, patchwork and quilting, felting meet every Wed -15 Lorraine AND LEARNING CENTRE Ave Berkeley Vale, 2:00pm and other fibre and fabric Mon-Fri Anne - 0409 938 345 crafts, community quilting bees Chess, darts, handicraft, indoor anneglazier@y7mail.com - Day and Night Groups bowls, knitting, line dancing, 4325 4743 origami, painting, pencil CENTRAL COAST MARINE www.cottagecrafts.net.au drawing, scrabble, DISCOVERY CENTRE scrapbooking, sit & sew, table The revamped CCMDC is open. tennis, Ukulele TUGGERAH LAKES Schools and Group bookings 4304 7065 ART SOCIETY welcome by appointment. Join us for the fun and Building has special needs GOSFORD-NARARA enjoyment of art! access and toilets Attend a weekly art group with NEIGHBOURHOOD Open 7 days 9am – 3pm. mentors, exhibitions, CENTRE Terrigal. workshops and a monthly School Holiday activities, 4385 5027 members meeting with guests playgroup, multicultural ccmdc@bigpond.com and prizes, held on the 4th

CCN

programs, community activities Rooms for Hire 4329 4477 admin@gnnc.com.au

HEALTH GROUPS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

0434 426 486

robyncameron@y7mail.com

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Last Fri 9.30am Terrigal Uniting Church 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal 4367 9600

4325 2270

www.henrykendallcottage.org.au Brisbane Water Historical Society

with a great social program, guest speakers and optional FELLOWSHIP OF bistro lunches. Google our name for our fully informative FIRST FLEETERS newsletter. Meet 10am, 3rd For anyone interested in early Mon each month at Avoca history. Beach Bowling Club. Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. avocaprobus@gmail.com Point Clare Community Hall 2nd Sat 10:30am 4392 1926 4311 6254

www.pcfa.org.au - Someone cares. Thurs - 12.30pm, Progress Hall Henry Parry & Wells MEALS ON WHEELS Street East Gosford Delicious meals delivered free Join us for a midday meal Help with shopping and AL - ANON FAMILY cooking classes COASTAL A CAPPELLA GROUPS HEALTH 4363 7111 Award winning women’s We offer hope and friendship a cappella chorus. for people affected by Music education provided. someone else’s drinking. PENINSULA LIGHTHOUSE Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ Al-anon family groups Mobile counselling service Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. meet weekly, please contact supporting ALL people Performance opportunities. 1300 252 666 suffering from Domestic Hire us for your next event. al-anon.org.au Violence 0412 948 450 Counselling services coastalacappella@gmail.com BETTER HEARING Mon, Ettalong Baptist Church, 0417 472 374 AUSTRALIA POLITICAL PARTIES penlighthouse@gmail.com Hearing loss management www.peninsulalighthouse.info/ Support and educational groups providing practical CENTRAL COAST GREENS S.A experience and confidence Local, state wide, national and Is Internet porn destroying your 4321 0275 international issues and life. campaigns We may be able to help. Council and parliamentary CENTRAL COAST We are a 12 step fellowship representation ASBESTOS DISEASES like AA. 3rd Thur SUPPORT GROUP Meets every Sat at 7pm on the centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au Support for those suffering Central Coast centralcoastgreens@gmail.com with asbestos diseases and Contact for further details others interested in asbestos LABOR PARTY 0473 631 439 issues. You are not alone, meet newcastlesagroup@gmail.com OURIMBAH/ NARARA with others who can share their experiences. Bring a BRANCH 4323 3890 family member or friend. Discussion/action community 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on forth Issues – 3 levels of HENRY KENDALL Wed of each month. Government COTTAGE & Maree 0419 418 190 Function Room, Grange Hotel, Wyoming HISTORICAL MUSEUM 7.30pm 1st. Monday Visit our c1838 Cottage & DYING WITH DIGNITY 0410 309 494 Museum with exhibits of early Campaigning to give those Kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com settlers. School and group suffering unrelievable terminal bookings. Members & or incurable illness the choice volunteers welcome. Open to receive legal medical PROBUS CLUBS Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am assistance to die. 2:30pm. West Gosford Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair.

MUSIC

HISTORY GROUPS

AVOCA BEACH PROBUS CLUB

SERVICE GROUPS

LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY Make new friends & have fun while serving your community Everglades Country Club 3rd Monday of each month 0478 959 895

WOMEN’S GROUPS WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRES

Counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services provided by women for women 4324 2533 www.cccwhc.com.au

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL BRISBANE WATER

Making a difference in the lives of women & girls through awareness, advocacy & action 2nd Thur 7 pm Breakers Country Club, Dover Rd, Wamberal sibrisbanewater@siswp.org www.siswp.org

SPORT DOYALSON WYEE SOCCER CLUB

Football club for the local community. Juniors from under 5 to senior teams. Kerry 0410 045 981 president@doylowolves.com.au

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here call us on 4325 7369 or see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free. However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date. Subscription rates $75 for 25 editions.

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SPORT PAGE 39 4 DECEMBER 2020

Central Coast beat Newcastle for the first time CRICKET Central Coast recorded a historic victory against Newcastle, but still failed to progress through to the final of the McDonald’s Country Cricket Championships which concluded at Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreational Complex, Tuggerah, on November 29. Since the formation of the Country Championships the Central Coast had never beaten Newcastle and went into their

match disheartened following an abysmal batting performance against Central North the day prior. Winning the toss and choosing to bat in hot and windy conditions, Central Coast’s top order once again failed to fire, and they slumped to 3/6 inside the first four overs. This then became 4/23 then 5/58, 6/75, and when Kaine Harmsworth was out to a highly questionable LBW decision, the innings was in tatters at 7/77. Harmsworth’s contribution was 39.

Enter Day 1 stars, Dylan Robertson and Harry Woodhead, who led a remarkable comeback for the home side. No doubt the pair would have conjured up their strategy around the kitchen table the previous night, but after seeing off the Newcastle bowlers early, they were able to expand their shot making as innings progressed. When Robertson was eventually dismissed in the 47th over, the pair had put together a partnership of 138

runs to provide a glimmer of hope for the Central Coast. Robertson finished with 74 runs from 80 balls, whilst Woodhead finished with 54 off 69 balls. Defending 219, the Central Coast threw the new ball to Harmsworth and he delivered immediately, picking up two wickets in the first over. Fellow opening bowler, Alex Patterson, picked up two of his own, and when Harmsworth claimed previous day century maker, Ryan Van Kemenade, Newcastle’s innings was on the

rocks at 5/16, which became 6/28 when Ben Sunshine claimed a wicket with his first ball. The question on everyone’s lips was, could the Central Coast pull off a miracle to win the carnival, which would have required them to bowl Newcastle inside 70 runs. Unfortunately, this was not possible as Ben Balcombe saw the visitors to safety with an innings of 65. However, the Central Coast was able to claim the ground breaking victory when Ben

Sunshine took the final wicket to dismiss Newcastle for 147. Harmsworth was superb taking 3/13 off 6 overs, and he was well supported by Patterson 2/25, Sunshine 2/19, Chris Archer 2/34, and Blair Lindsay 1/11, whilst Robertson rounded out an excellent carnival with 0/24 off his 10 overs. Source: Press release, Nov 30 Scott Burkinshaw, Central Coast Cricket Association

Mariners enjoy good preseason form FOOTBALL A-League preparations continued for Alen Stajcic and his Central Coast Mariners on November 27, with a pre-season trial against Western Sydney Wanderers at the Wanderers’ Centre of Excellence. A quiet opening 10 minutes saw neither side threaten, before Alou Kuol dragged a shot just wide from Dan Bouman’s cross, and saw another chance escape him moments later from Ziggy Gordon’s whipped pass. The Mariners held sway early and another chance fell to Kuol, only for Oliver Kalac to deny him down low, but Stajcic’s side took the lead seven minutes before the break. A free kick on the left was not cleared and fell to Nahuel Bonada, who swept it inside the near post to give the Mariners a half-time advantage.

Josh Nisbet in action for the Mariners Photo: Central Coast Mariners

It took just six minutes of the second half for the lead to be doubled, when Gianni Stensness found space in the area from Jack Clisby’s corner and fired a header past Kalac. Nicolai Muller pulled a goal

Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect.

0457 0.60 1129 1.75 1815 0.42

0601 1.64 1216 0.48 1816 1.52

FRI

back for the hosts soon after, and Stajcic made a couple of changes for match fitness as Adam Pearce and Damien Tsekenis replaced Mark Birighitti and Kuol. Josh Nisbet fired a header

straight at the keeper 20 minutes into the half, and Wanderers equalised soon after through Nectarios Triantis’ close range header. Matt Hatch replaced Clisby as he picked up some valuable

TIDE CHART

game time, and there were few further chances as the initial 90 minutes ended 2-2. A swathe of changes were made for an additional 30 minutes of game time, with plenty of Mariners’ youth

getting important experience. There were numerous chances denied for the Mariners, but Harry McCarthy found time and space with just over 10 minutes to go, to curl an effort past the goalkeeper from long range and put the visitors ahead long enough to claim victory 3-2. Post-game, Stajcic said he was impressed with what he saw and that he was glad for the opportunity to continue preparations a month out from the season start. “This morning was a good hit out and a valuable opportunity to get minutes in our boys’ legs against A-League opposition,” he said. “There’s positives to take from this outing and we’ll continue to work hard and push towards our season opener on New Year’s Eve.” Source: Press release, Nov 27 Central Coast Mariners Media

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0015 1.25 0107 1.24 0205 1.25 0308 1.30 0410 1.38 0507 1.50 0542 0.64 0634 0.67 0734 0.69 0842 0.69 0955 0.66 1108 0.58 SAT 1213 1.71 SUN 1302 1.67 MON 1358 1.62 TUE 1500 1.58 WED 1607 1.55 THU 1714 1.53 1903 0.44 1957 0.45 2053 0.44 2149 0.42 2243 0.39 2334 0.36 0024 0.34 0112 0.34 0200 0.36 0249 0.39 0338 0.43 0428 0.49 0652 1.77 0743 1.89 0833 1.97 0923 2.01 1013 2.01 1100 1.95 SAT 1320 0.37 SUN 1418 0.27 MON 1514 0.20 TUE 1606 0.18 WED 1658 0.20 THU 1748 0.25 1916 1.51 2014 1.49 2110 1.46 2204 1.42 2257 1.38 2348 1.34

APPROX. TIME LAG AFTER FORT DENISON Ettalong 40 min, Rip Bridge 2hrs - Wisemans Ferry 2 hrs 30 min, Koolewong 2 hrs 10 min In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated

PAGE 40 4 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT

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Cooper reigns supreme in GTC Club Championships

Winner, Sarah Munroe, R/Up, Eva Lozitskaya

TENNIS Jono Cooper once again showed his power and class to take out the Open Men’s Single final of the Gosford Tennis Club (GTC) 2020 Open Club Championships in a strong field of 44 players.

In hot and windy conditions, Cooper clinched the 77th Club Championship title in a highly entertaining match against rising star and winner of last week’s U18 Championships, Nick De Vivo, winning 6-4, 6-3. Oliver Worrad defeated Matthew Hurley in the final of the Men’s Open Consolation

Winner, Jono Cooper, R/Up, Nicholas de Vivo

Round. Sarah Munroe also produced an outstanding display of tennis, prevailing in the Open Ladies Singles Final over Eva Lozitskaya. The Ladies’ Open singles event was one of the strongest in many years, with Monroe defeating the incredible

15-year-old Lozitskaya in a heat reduced match 4-2, 4-2. The Ladies Open Doubles Final was won by Sarah Rokusek and Kelsey Lewis who defeated Eva Lozitskaya and Charlize Cipri. The Men’s Open doubles final was played as the final event of the Championships, with GTC

Head Coach, Alex Fielding and Nick De Vivo defeating Masaoki Otsuki and Luke McMillan in straight sets 5-3, 4-2. GTC President, Chris Lees, thanked Central Coast Newspapers for their tremendous support of the event which attracted over 160 players in total, beating a

record that has stood for 15 years. GTC are now gearing up for the Tennis Australia Junior Performance State Titles commencing on Sunday, December 6, for 2 weeks. Ross Barry

Stella and Alexander are Academy Athletes of the Year The Central Coast Academy of Sport has announced Stella Norris (Triathlon) and Alexander Jones (Hockey) as the female and male Athlete of the Year respectively. Stella’s first year in triathlon as a talent transfer athlete from athletics and Surf Life Saving has seen some fantastic results, with many podium positions. In the only Nationals race that was able to take place in Queensland last December, Stella made the A final in Youth Girls in a very tough field of athletes in her first National Level Triathlon Event. In more recent achievements,

Stella qualified for the Australian Age Group World Championships Team in Duathlon, should the event go ahead in the Netherlands. Last weekend saw Stella in a team of 4 crowned as State Silver medallists in the Mixed Team Relay, a new addition to the sport in the next Olympics. Male athlete of the year, Alexander Jones, also had a fantastic year with the Academy program, demonstrating his ability as a team leader and developing new skills and fine tuning existing skills. The Academy’s Awards Evening was held in a Covidsafe format on Wednesday, December 2, at Mingara

Recreation Club. In other awards, Olivia Miles (Netball) and Brianna Kelly (Basketball) were awarded the Chairman’s Award, while the Ray Sandell Dedication to Sporting Excellence Award went to Jason Millers (Golf). Brett Johnson (Hockey) was given the RASi Coaches Award in recognition of his extensive 35+ years commitment to Hockey and, more recently, to the UAA Hockey Program. Johnson is an Australian National Champion, an Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship holder, and an Australian representative (1995) capped six times. Ross Barry

Kincumber Avoca pick up their first win of the season CRICKET It was another low scoring affair in Round 7 of the Central Coast Cricket Association’s First Grade competition. At Harry Moore Oval, Northern Power ended Lisarow Ourimbah’s winning streak with a 16 run victory. Winning the toss and batting first, the Power made 137 from their 40 overs. Jeremy O’Connell top scored with 35 while Chris Archer continued his good form with

the bat with 28. Ben Sunshine was the pick of the Magpies bowlers with three wickets. The Magpies recovered after losing two early wickets to be 2-55 but when Archer removed the dangerous Ryan Fenning for 21 and Josh Abel dismissed Blair Lindsay for 34 it was going to be an uphill battle. Matt Sunshine tried his best to reel in the target with 22 not out but it wasn’t enough with the Power grabbing the 4 points.

Kincumber Avoca picked up their first win of the season with a 5 wicket win over Southern Spirit at Col Gooley Oval. The Spirit batted first and were bowled out in the last over for 156 with Liam O’Farrell once again top scoring with 33 and Lachlan Bull making an impressive 30. Jack Heuston found some form before the rep weekend with 3 wickets. Despite a slight batting collapse towards the end of the innings, the Griffins chased

down the target 5 down with 9 balls remaining with John McCrae scoring 47 and Steve McCabe making 40. Ethan Jones bowled very well taking 3 wickets for the Spirit. Narara Wyoming won in an absolute thriller, claiming a one wicket win over Wyong at Fagans Park. Wyong struggled with the stick and were bowled out for 64, with 15 being the top score. Tom Owen, Michael Shelley and Keiran Lawson all took two wickets.

The Lions were made to work for the win, and it was Kered Baird, 39 not out from 35 balls, who was the hero hitting a six to win the game. Hayden Murphy led from the front taking 5 wickets for the Roos. In the final game, The Entrance were dominant with a big win over Warnervale at Jubilee Oval. Bowling first, the Seagulls were on from ball one bowling the Wildcats for 56 with only two players making double figures.

Broc Hardy was fantastic with the ball with three wickets while the other wickets were shared. The Seagulls were professional in the chase only losing the three wickets but chasing the runs in the 14th over to claim a bonus point. Ben Day remained not out with 19 with Karan Katli taking two wickets. Source: Match Report, Nov 23 Scott Burkinshaw, Central Coast Cricket Association